Accounting Specialist

Cochran is a growing civil engineering firm with 7 Missouri offices, offering services in construction administration, materials testing, architectural and geotechnical engineering, and land surveying. Serving both public and private sectors, Cochran’s expertise spans municipal, commercial, residential, transportation, water/wastewater, site development, retail, planning, and interior design. With 120+ professionals, the firm delivers tailored solutions backed by deep expertise and is guided by core values of teamwork, excellence, quality, and trust—ensuring principal involvement and outstanding service throughout every project.

Cochran’s Union, Missouri location is looking for a Full or Part-time Accounting Specialist to join our team.

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented Accounting Specialist to support our accounting and financial operations. This role will assist with payroll, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and month-end closing activities while also supporting the financial oversight of outside retail store operations.

The ideal candidate is organized, analytical, and comfortable working across multiple accounting processes including inventory reconciliation and financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

General Accounting

• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial closings including preparation of journal entries, accruals, and adjusting entries
• Post journal entries and support general accounting activities
• Reconcile bank accounts and credit card statements
• Support financial reporting and maintain accurate accounting records

Payroll & Accounts Receivable

• Assist with payroll processing and related administrative tasks as needed
• Support accounts receivable functions, including tracking receivables and assisting with collections when necessary

Retail Store Accounting & Inventory

• Oversee accounting activities related to company retail store operations
• Manage reconciliation, reporting, and updates related to retail inventory processes
• Investigate and follow up on store physical inventory discrepancies
• Perform monthly reconciliation of book inventory to perpetual inventory systems
• Conduct monthly review of store inventory accounts to ensure accuracy

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiencies within accounting and inventory workflows
• Recommend and assist with implementing improvements to accounting procedures and reporting

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred
• 2+ years of accounting or bookkeeping experience preferred
• Experience with general ledger accounting, reconciliations, and financial close processes
• Familiarity with inventory accounting and retail operations is a plus
• Experience assisting with payroll or accounts receivable preferred
• Strong proficiency with Excel and accounting software systems
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills

Skills & Competencies

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving ability
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Continuous improvement mindset

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses
• 100% company paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Long-Term Disability insurance for employees, plus company deductible assistance
• 401(k) with 4% company match
• Generous PTO plan and 7 major holidays
• Continuing education and professional development support