Accounting Associate Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

SALARY RANGE: $60,100.00 - $82,662.50

GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by its member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Responsible for meeting GROWMARK, Inc. and subsidiary companies compliance obligations related to the reporting of motor fuel, environmental, and sales taxes.  Analyze data with regard to tax requirements and appropriately reconcile all tax data to the general ledger.   

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Responsible for meeting GROWMARK, Inc. wholesale, retail divisions, and subsidiary companies’ compliance obligations related to the reporting of motor fuel, environmental, and sales taxes. 

Analyzes data from various sources to prepare excise tax returns and develop process improvements.   Incorporate data analytics software into complex processes.

Reconciles accounting data to tax filings to ensure financial records reflect the proper amounts due to or from governmental agencies.  Provides guidance and training to others in the department or retail divisions on reconciliation issues and amendments.

Analyzes and reviews additional controls to ensure that all taxes collected from customers are paid to the proper taxing authority and troubleshoot variances. 

Provides guidance for proper tax setup in SAP and third-party tax software.  Assist with configuration and testing of changes needed in the excise tax billing and reporting systems. 

Maintains technical competency in motor fuel, excise, sales, environmental, and other tax related subjects. 

Maintains professional relationships with taxing authorities.

Manage audit process for external audits.  Advise the business on changes needed for proper compliance.  Coordinates complex or multi-period amendment projects.  

Maintain third party tax exemption software and coordinate with internal departments/divisions to integrate into their processes.     

Provides leadership by investigating, analyzing, and providing recommendations to wholesale, retail divisions, and member cooperatives on tax compliance requirements.

Research new state requirements and develop new processes to ensure compliance. 

Serves as a backup to the Assoc. Tax Compliance Supervisor/Retail Tax Compliance Supervisor on motor fuel and sales tax issues.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Ensures that tax compliance documentation required by government agencies is obtained from vendors and customers and is retained on file.

Updates and maintains instructions for tax return processing procedures.

Assists with maintaining and updating information contained on the Tax Department website.

Follows GROWMARK’s Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

​​​​Requires an Associates degree with emphasis in accounting and 1-3 years of experience in preparing tax returns or bachelor’s degree in accounting required.  Experience in income, sales, or excise tax return preparation​ preferred.

Other skills required are analytical, problem-solving, ability to compose written responses to government agencies, organization, detail-oriented, ability to meet tax deadlines, and proven computer skills, including Microsoft Office software, internet research tools, general ledger queries,and tax reporting software.

Ability to use technology to research accounting information and apply tax knowledge to the transactions to determine appropriate taxability

Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.

Ability to occasionally work hours above those considered normal to meet tax deadlines.

Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position. 

At GROWMARK, we are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and parental leave, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law.  In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.