Project Finance Associate Jobs in Bluffton, SC (NOW HIRING)

Messer & Company LLC, CPA is seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Client Accounting Services Associate to join our growing team.

This position supports the day-to-day accounting needs of our business clients and plays an important role in maintaining accurate financial records, meeting recurring deadlines, and providing responsive client service.

The ideal candidate is organized, comfortable managing multiple client accounts, and able to work both independently and collaboratively in a professional CPA firm environment. This role is well suited for someone with practical bookkeeping or accounting experience who enjoys working directly with clients and wants the opportunity to expand their accounting knowledge and responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

The Client Accounting Services Associate will assist with a variety of recurring accounting and client service functions, including:

• Perform monthly and periodic bookkeeping for assigned clients
• Record and categorize financial transactions accurately
• Reconcile bank, credit card, loan, and other balance sheet accounts
• Maintain general ledgers and review accounts for accuracy
• Prepare and post adjusting journal entries as appropriate
• Assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable functions
• Assist with payroll processing and related reporting
• Prepare and file sales tax reports and other recurring compliance filings
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial statements and reports
• Review client accounting records for missing, incomplete, or unusual information
• Communicate with clients to obtain documents, resolve questions, and follow up on outstanding items
• Maintain organized electronic client files and supporting documentation
• Assist with accounting clean-up and catch-up projects as needed
• Support year-end accounting procedures and preparation of client records for tax return preparation
• Coordinate with CPAs, tax professionals, and other team members regarding client accounts
• Maintain accurate internal records of work completed, outstanding items, and client deadlines
• Protect confidential client and financial information at all times
• Assist with additional accounting and administrative projects as needed

Qualifications

Required:

• Previous bookkeeping, accounting, or related financial experience
• Working knowledge of basic accounting principles
• Experience with bank and credit card reconciliations
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to organize and prioritize work across multiple clients and deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Professional and dependable approach to client service
• Ability to handle confidential financial information appropriately
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel

Preferred:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field
• Experience working in a CPA firm, accounting firm, or professional services environment
• Experience with QuickBooks Online and/or QuickBooks Desktop
• Experience with payroll processing, sales tax reporting, accounts payable, or accounts receivable
• Familiarity with month-end and year-end closing procedures
• Experience preparing financial statements or management reports

Equivalent combinations of education and relevant hands-on accounting experience will be considered.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who takes ownership of their work and understands that accurate accounting requires more than simply entering transactions.

A successful Client Accounting Services Associate will be able to identify when something does not look right, ask appropriate questions, follow through on outstanding items, and maintain clear communication with both clients and coworkers.

The right candidate will be:

• Detail-oriented and accurate
• Organized and deadline-conscious
• Comfortable managing multiple client accounts
• Proactive about identifying and resolving issues
• Willing to ask questions and learn
• Professional when communicating with clients
• Dependable and accountable
• Able to adapt as priorities and client needs change
• Interested in developing professionally within an accounting environment

Work Environment

This is a full-time, in-office position with Messer & Company LLC, CPA in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Our team works in a deadline-driven professional environment where communication, accountability, accuracy, and client service are essential. Because this position works with multiple client accounts and recurring deadlines, the ability to stay organized and communicate proactively is particularly important.

Benefits:

• Health insurance

Work Location: In person