Accounting Associate

Company Overview

Founded in 2007, Cristaux International has become one of the most well-known, creative, and energetic companies within its industry. We are a premier design and manufacturing company obsessed with the art of storytelling. Our custom recognition products are exclusively designed to capture an emotion, a story; a brand's core identity. As a full-service design and manufacturing company, we help organizations drive success through custom, brand-centric creations for celebrating people and commemorating accomplishments. Our products have been seen in over 140 countries, while our factory to consumer-direct approach has given us the ability to bring ideas to life in the most efficient and timely manner. We are not a typical 9-5 company and encourage out of the box ideas while working in a diverse and inspiring environment!

Position Overview

The Accounting Associate will support and report to the Accounting Manager and will be responsible for coordinating with sales, operations, customer service, finance, and the procurement department to improve operational efficiencies, and ERP system integrity. Primary responsibilities also include but are not limited to; input orders not only remotely but also from Elk Grove Village location, accounts receivable statement reminders, preparing bills for payment, reconciling purchase orders and inventory resolution before approval of any wire transfers, handling item and line charges on all third-party freight invoices.

Specific Position Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years in bookkeeping experience.
• Associates Degree
• Knowledgeable in product development/materials.

• Comprehensive understanding of MS Excel, MS Word and industry standard sales and purchase order software platforms.

• Good communication with the clients and vendors for accounts receivable and payables relationships.
• Possess experience working with ERP & Project Management Systems along with an understanding of chart of accounts and general ledger setup for bookkeeping.
• Use Microsoft Business Central system to enter and update customers, becoming a liaison between sales, procurement, art department and production department.
• Processes customer requests such as orders, quotes, changes, cancellations and provides assistance on the availability of products.

• Assist in updating all Sales Orders, Trello cards and Work Orders if there is a change in quantity on an orders.
• Create invoices based on Sales Invoice Requests and ensure all data is properly input.
• Ensure that all sales orders are properly inputted with shipping and billing addresses, net terms, dimensions, and credit cards.
• Resolve issues with delinquent account receivables accounts through contacting and working with the customer.
• Assist Order Processing with supporting data entry.
• Reconcile FedEx and UPS bills and invoice customers for any additional charges and fees, for example returns and custom duties. Match purchase and/or work order forms with invoices and record the necessary information.
• Reconcile purchase orders with vendors bills to account for the correct pricing and discounts.
• Invoice orders and take over reconciling duties when accounting manager is on PTO.
• General office support such as data entry and typing.
• Create/update all academy training, seminar, and workshop events and human resource material.
• Research current compliance laws.

• Learn and assist with administrative tasks, such as filing, data entry, and other projects.
• Organizing company events while operating within budget and helping ignite company culture.

Basic Requirements

• Well organized with excellent communication skills.
• Must be very comfortable using a computer.
• Must be able to type at least 60-80 words per minute with high accuracy.
• Thorough knowledge of spreadsheets and other office tools.
• Proven negotiations skills, customer service and consulting skills are a must.
• Solid command of the English language: Both written and verbal.
• Strong multi-tasking and organization skills. Advanced time management and analytical skills.
• Impeccable attention to detail.

• Able to thrive in a high-stress and fast paced environment.

• Excellent communication skills, self-motivated, self-starter, sense of urgency, well organized and very personable.
• Flexible, friendly and engaging. Must be able to communicate in an encouraging and stimulating manner, on a frequent basis with upper management, individuals, groups, and subordinates.

• Establish reliable lines of contact with the account managers to ensure that all sales orders are accurate.

• Provide value-added solutions to account managers based on his/her needs and requirements for their orders.
• Capable of working in a team environment.
• Perform additional duties assigned by the Senior Project Manager.
• Sense of urgency and ownership, with the ability to operate in a very fast-paced professional environment.

Position Type

This is a full-time position. Typical working hours are 830am-430pm, five days a week. Communication and access to emails after hours as needed. This position would be split between Elk Grove Village facility and the ability to work from home once trained.

Required Education & Experience

Associates Degree. Minimum two (2) years of related bookkeeping experience.

Qualifications and Physical/Mental Requirements

Accounting Associate must have direct experience in customer service and working in office environment. Experience using CRM, ERP & Project Management systems. The ideal candidate should resemble high levels of emotional intelligence and have the ability to read, interpret, manage and address the majority of customer & account manager needs. Making the customer & account rep feel comfortable during all stages of the order cycle while remaining a true professional and in direct alignment with the Cristaux values and core principles.

Daily tasks include: Flexible with work hours. Sitting, answering calls, computer work, responding to emails, occasionally walking and standing. Educating customers, customer order processing, sending out sales orders, etc. Interacting with small and large teams, executing while keeping laser focus on project goals, and having a positive attitude is a must. Letting your personality show!