Accountant III

Location: St. Louis, MO (Downtown | On-Site) Employment Type: Temp-to-Perm Salary Range: $67,000–$89,000 (maximum rate cannot be exceeded) Schedule: Full-Time | In-Office The Opportunity This is a high-impact opportunity for a senior-level accounting professional who thrives in complex environments and enjoys owning the numbers behind critical business decisions. In this role, you’ll serve as a trusted financial partner—supporting leadership, strengthening internal controls, improving processes, and mentoring junior staff. This position offers strong visibility, meaningful responsibility, and the potential to convert to a permanent role based on performance. Role Summary The Accountant III is a senior accounting professional responsible for advanced financial analysis, reporting, and accounting functions with minimal oversight. This role requires deep knowledge of accounting principles, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering accurate, compliant financial insights that support organizational goals. Key Responsibilities • Maintain and oversee the accuracy of the general ledger and financial records • Develop customized schedules to support monitoring of specific general ledger accounts • Prepare and review complex journal entries, including accruals, allocations, and intercompany transactions • Prepare, analyze, and interpret financial statements in compliance with GAAP and regulatory standards • Perform advanced variance analysis, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities • Generate and present detailed financial reports to leadership and external stakeholders • Assist with quarterly financial packages, including narratives, performance indicators, and variance explanations • Support annual budget development and periodic forecasting • Conduct monthly cost center reviews for accuracy and budget variance analysis • Monitor actual performance against budget and recommend cost control strategies • Ensure compliance with internal controls, policies, and external regulations • Review financial aspects of third-party contracts in collaboration with business and legal partners • Lead audit preparation and act as a liaison with internal and external auditors • Identify inefficiencies in accounting processes and recommend improvements • Support or lead implementation of new accounting systems or tools • Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to junior accounting staff • Review and approve work completed by lower-level accountants • Support cross-functional teams on special projects and operational reviews • Contribute to strategic financial planning initiatives Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • In-depth knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards • Proficiency with accounting systems such as SAP, Oracle, or QuickBooks • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables and lookups • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment • Experience with SOX, IFRS, or other regulatory frameworks preferred • Experience with financial modeling or data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau preferred Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or Finance • Minimum of 5 years of professional accounting experience • Experience in public accounting, transportation, or government strongly preferred Preferred Qualifications • Graduate degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or Finance • CPA, CFE, or CMA certification • Prior public accounting experience Why This Role • Senior-level responsibility with minimal micromanagement • High visibility and partnership with leadership • Opportunity to drive process improvement and operational efficiency • • Strong potential for permanent placement based on performance