Senior Accountant Contract Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

ARA’s Corporate Accounting Department seeks a passionate and experienced Senior Accountant with strong technical skills, prior audit experience, and a continuous improvement mindset. Our team supports the dedicated employee owners who make Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) the success it is today. We are hiring a Senior Accountant to act as our revenue recognition subject matter expert (ASC 606), ensure quality and streamlined general ledger processes, and support the migration of our financial statement and management reporting from excel, such that it is produced directly from our ERP Systems (Costpoint & Adaptive Planning). We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and delivering timely and accurate financial and management reporting, and audit support to a growing company. We value teamwork, individual and group accountability, and strive for a balanced, enjoyable work environment.

What you’ll do as ARA’s Senior Accountant

ASC 606 Revenue Recognition

• Oversee revenue recognition for the company, providing high level review, revenue and revenue variance reporting and contract closeout revenue true-up
• Review complex multi-element customer contracts, document revenue recognition for these contracts, and ensure proper accounting
• Evaluate current revenue recognition practices for large, fixed price contracts and develop and document new procedures for on-line products, software, and commercial sales
• Provide clear, documented accounting support for both internal and external (audits) inquiries

Financial Statement Modernization

• Support transitioning our financial statement and management reporting out of multi-tab Excel workbooks so it can be generated directly from our ERP systems
• Help develop and validate dashboard reports
• Support the deployment of financial statement projections using ARA’s enterprise tools

General Ledger & Financial Accounting

• Support month-end close and year end close processes
• Prepare balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, and financial disclosures with accuracy and attention to detail
• Evaluate the impact of new accounting standards to ensure successful transition and proper reporting

Operational Efficiency

• Identify process bottlenecks, build standardized processes to ensure timely and accurate data, help identify and evaluate AI tools to automate manual accounting workflows
• Partner directly with leadership to support daily operational accounting

Audit, Controls & Compliance Support

• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure adequate process documentation
• Provide comprehensive support for external financial audits, internal audits, and government/customer audits
• Collaborate with auditors to provide required data, resolve inquiries, and strengthen audit readiness

Systems Leadership & Process Modernization

• Support system upgrade testing, enhancements, and business system evaluation or migration activities
• Partner with IT and functional SMEs to improve workflows, resolve system issues, and drive process automation

Senior Accountant Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field plus 5 – 7 years of experience in accounting or auditing
• Previous experience preparing financial statements utilizing ERP data and reports
• Exceptional customer service and communication abilities across all organizational levels
• Ability to analyze problems, recommend solutions, and maintain compliance with internal and external requirements
• Experience conducting or supporting auditors and preparing audit-ready documentation
• Professional, reliable, proactive, and committed to continuous learning and improvement
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under strict deadlines

Senior Accountant Requirements Preferences:

• Active CPA or CMA license or passed exam sections
• Experience in manufacturing, product sales, or inventory cost accounting
• Experience utilizing large ERP systems for data reporting (Costpoint, Workday, Oracle, etc.)
• System implementation migration experience
• Familiarity with AI tools and automation in financial workflows
• Prior exposure to government contracting (FAR/CAS/DCAA)

• Working knowledge of corporate financial planning, reporting & analysis, and costing/profitability methodologies and processes

Company & Division Information

The ARA Corporate office prides itself on providing excellent customer service and accounting services to a growing and ever-changing organization. We strive to be flexible while ensuring that we comply with government, state, and contract regulations and requirements.  We partner with our employees to help them in turn provide exceptional customer service for our customers.

Applied Research Associates (ARA)is a 100% employee-owned technology solutions company with more than 2,300 employee-owners across the United States and Canada. Our dedicated team brings deep technical expertise and a passion for solving complex challenges – creating innovative solutions that protect our safety, security, and way of life. At ARA, every project is an opportunity to exceed expectations. We deliver solutions that not only meet mission objectives but unlock new possibilities for the future. 

Hybrid Work Notice: This position is open to candidates seeking either hybrid or remote work. While remote work will be considered, preference will be given to candidates who are available to work in a hybrid capacity in either Albuquerque, NM or Raleigh, NC.