General Accountant

Griffith Foods is the caring, creative product development partner helping food companies meet the evolving needs of consumers while sustaining the planet. As a family business founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois USA, Griffith Foods is known for true, collaborative innovation guided by their Purpose of “We Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World”. The company’s product capabilities range from seasonings and marinades to coating systems and sauces that are better for people and better for the planet. For more information, visit www.griffithfoods.com.

As a General Ledger Accountant, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring the integrity of our company's general ledger. Your primary responsibility will be to manage general ledger accounting processes, including month-end and year-end close activities. In this role, you will be instrumental in reconciling balance sheet accounts, preparing journal entries, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to support audit activities.

Key Roles & Responsibilities: What are the core elements of the job duties, the primary day-to-day responsibilities & activities

Core Elements of the Job Duties and Primary Day-to-Day Responsibilities & Activities

• Manage the General Ledger accounting processes, including month-end/year-end close activities, and AP transactions.

• Prepare and review journal entries, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.

• Collaborating with internal departments to gather, analyze, and interpret relevant financial information.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (with other team members) to gather financial information and support audit activities.

• Performing audits (Group Audit and Stats Audit) on financial data to assure its accuracy and truthfulness.

• Ensuring that financial information complies with professional and regulatory standards.

• Aligning general ledger accounting practices to support budgeting and forecasting.

• Entering financial data such as accruals, deferrals, reclassifications, and interdepartmental entries into the ledger on a monthly basis, as well as preparing reports.

• Performing account analysis to ensure that journal entries and balances are correct.

• Reconcile balance sheet accounts, prepare BS Schedules, and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.

• Reconcile Intercompany Balances  (review & closure)

• Gathering supporting documentation and performing recordkeeping.

• Keeping abreast of regulatory requirements and best practices in accounting.

• Assist in the development and implementation of accounting policies and procedures.

Functional Knowledge:  Describe breadth and depth of knowledge of functional work and activities required

Functional Work Knowledge:

Strong understanding of General Ledger processes, including journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and period-end close. Good knowledge of accounting standards, accruals, provisions, and intercompany accounting, along with proficiency in ERP systems and financial reporting tools.

Business Expertise:  Describe knowledge and expertise required about the business and industry in which the business functions

Industry-Specific Knowledge

• Understanding of financial reporting standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., IFRS, US GAAP, local compliance)

• Awareness of industry-specific accounting practices, including expense allocation and cost structures

• Knowledge of financial KPIs such as profitability, cost control, and balance sheet metrics

Business-Specific Knowledge

• Understanding of the record-to-report (R2R) process, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial close

• Knowledge of chart of accounts, financial structures, and reporting frameworks

• Familiarity with internal controls, including accruals, provisions, intercompany transactions, and period-end processes

• Understanding of GL KPIs, their calculation, and close timelines

• Awareness of company accounting policies and procedures

• Proficiency in ERP systems and financial modules, including reporting and reconciliation tools

Leadership: Describe the nature of leadership required and guidance provided to others

Demonstrates strong ownership and accountability for General Ledger activities, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely closure of financial records. Takes responsibility for end-to-end month-end close, reconciliations, and journal entries, proactively resolving issues and ensuring adherence to controls, while collaborating effectively with cross-functional stakeholders.

Problem Solving:  Describe the level of analytical thinking required to perform the job

Requires strong analytical thinking to review and resolve discrepancies in financial data, reconciliations, and journal entries. Involves identifying root causes of variances, ensuring data accuracy, and improving processes within established accounting policies and controls.

Impact: Describe the level of responsibility and resulting impact on the business

The General Ledger Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring accuracy and integrity of financial records and reporting. The role directly impacts financial close quality, compliance, and reliability of financial statements, supporting overall business decision-making.

Interpersonal Skills:  Describe the level and type of “people skills” that are normally required to do the job

Communication & Collaboration Skills

Clear and effective communication with internal stakeholders, finance teams, and auditors to ensure accurate financial reporting and issue resolution

 Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution Skills

Handling reconciliation differences, accounting discrepancies, and audit queries in a timely and structured manner

Stakeholder Management Skills
Coordinating with AP, AR, FP&A, and other finance teams to ensure alignment and data accuracy

Emotional Intelligence & Adaptability
Demonstrating attention to detail, accountability, and ability to manage pressure during close cycles

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

Minimum Experience:

3-5 years in Accounting.

Experience in multinational environments with knowledge of US GAAP.