Created in 2017, The Independents is an entrepreneur-driven community of industry-leading experts, delivering global, connected solutions for luxury, fashion and lifestyle businesses to become culture brands. The Independents brings together a unique, future-fit ecosystem of services for ambitious businesses who seek to impact global culture around 3 key pillars:
- Experience : Atelier Athem, Atelier Lum, Bureau Betak, INCA, K2, Kennedy, Prodject
- Communication, Strategy & influence : Ctzar, Karla Otto, Lefty, The Qode
- Content : Bureau Future, Sunshine
Providing clients with end-to-end solutions to become key culture brands, the group aligns a global perspective with on-the-ground, local insights. As such, the collective is powerfully positioned to offer streamlined strategy, creative services, talent partnerships, influencer marketing, communications and bespoke experiences for leading brands across key markets, by way of its presence in Milano, Paris, London, Munich, New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Dubai, Riyadh and Jeddah.
Since June 2023, The Independents Group is backed by Banijay, a FL Entertainment company, and Towerbrook Capital Partners.
We are seeking a proactive and experienced individual to lead the accounting function within The Independents Group, based in New York. The Staff Accountant will play a crucial role in the finance team, primarily focusing on the Events Production business unit. The successful candidate will manage high volumes of payments during project periods, conduct detailed budget project reconciliation, and take on additional leadership responsibilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential.
This role is also classified as hybrid with a minimum of 3 days a week in the office and is subject to change
The responsibilities of the Staff Accountant include, but are not limited to, accounting, controlling, administrative functions, and leadership tasks:
- Leading and coordinating client invoicing for Events Production projects.
- Ensuring that invoices align with the Events Production team's budgets.
- Creating vendors in the accounting system and booking vendor bills.
- Making daily payment selections in accordance with cash flow allowances, with a strong focus on managing high volumes of payments during project periods.
- Recording Cash Disbursement and Cash Receipt Journals specific to Events Production.
- Maintaining ongoing relationships and resolving discrepancies with clients, vendors, and teammates within the Events Production unit.
- Managing credit card transactions and receipts, particularly with American Express.
- Overseeing employee out-of-pocket expenses related to Events Production projects.
- Managing Amazon and Uber expense reports related to Events Production.
- Conducting detailed budget project reconciliation for Events Production, ensuring that expenses align with the approved budget.
- Playing a significant role in the month-end closing process, including journal entry preparation and related analysis of asset, liability, revenue, and expense accounts.
- Performing intercompany reconciliations to ensure balances are aligned across entities.
- Supporting year-end closing activities and ensuring all financial data is accurate and complete.
- Supporting the annual audit process by preparing necessary documentation and liaising with auditors.
- Assisting with the consolidation of annual financial statements.
- Providing guidance and support to junior accounting staff.
- Assisting in the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures.
- Collaborating with senior management to develop financial strategies and plans.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field preferred.
- 3-5+ years of related work experience.
- Experience with NetSuite is highly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of financial statements, including Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss, and Cash Flow.
- Outstanding financial and analytical skills.
- Proficient with MS Office Excel.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Strong organizational skills.