Financial Operations Associate

Celeste Business Advisors LLP

Website: celesteadvisory.com
Job details:

About Celeste Advisors:

Celeste Advisors is a dynamic and forward-thinking Financial Planning & Advisory firm supporting SMEs scale their business sustainably and efficiently with our financial expertise.

With a commitment to excellence and innovation, we empower our clients to take informed business decisions. As we continue to expand our reach and influence, we are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Financial Operations Associate to support our Strategic Accounting Practice.

Role Overview:

As a Financial Operations Associate at Celeste, you will be the backbone of our clients’ day-to-day accounting operations. Your primary focus will be managing accounts payable workflows, ensuring timely and accurate bill processing, and maintaining clean financial records across multiple platforms. You will also provide accounts receivable support and strategic bookkeeping services to select clients, helping them stay on top of their financial obligations and cash position. Working closely with the Partners, you will gain exposure to a diverse portfolio of SME clients and develop a strong foundation in operational finance within a consulting environment.

Key Responsibilities:

·      Accounts Payable Management: Manage end-to-end accounts payable operations across the client portfolio, ensuring all invoices and bills are captured, categorized, and processed accurately and on time.

o  Monitor client communication channels to identify, extract, and record incoming bills and invoices into the appropriate accounting platform (QuickBooks Online, Xero).

o  Sync and manage bill workflows within the designated bill pay solution, ensuring daily processing and timely approvals.

o  Record and reconcile payments made outside of the primary bill pay system, including check payments and manual transactions, within the accounting platform.

·      Vendor Relations: Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor-related communications on behalf of clients.

o  Respond to vendor inquiries, resolve billing discrepancies, and manage payment-related correspondence in a timely and professional manner.

o  Maintain organized vendor records and ensure W-9s and other compliance documents are up to date.

·      Accounts Receivable Support: Provide accounts receivable support for select clients on an as-needed basis.

o  Generate and send invoices, track outstanding receivables, and follow up with customers to ensure timely collection of payments.

o  Prepare aging reports and escalate overdue accounts as appropriate.

·      Payroll Processing: Assist in the execution and processing of client payroll cycles using platforms such as ADP, Paychex, or Rippling.

o  Ensure payroll is run accurately and on schedule, coordinating with clients to capture any changes in employee data, deductions, or benefits.

o  Reconcile payroll entries within the accounting system post-processing.

·      Strategic Bookkeeping: Provide strategic bookkeeping services for smaller-scale clients, maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records.

o  Perform monthly bank and credit card reconciliations, journal entries, and general ledger maintenance.

o  Ensure books are closed in a timely manner and financial statements are prepared for review.

·      Documentation and Reporting:

o  Maintain accurate and well-organized client financial records and process documentation.

o  Generate periodic reports on AP aging, cash outflows, and payment status to support client decision-making and advisory calls.

Qualifications:

·      Education: A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, commerce, or a related field is required. Preference for candidates pursuing or holding certifications such as CPA, CMA, or equivalent.

·      Experience: Minimum 1–2 years of experience in accounts payable, bookkeeping, or general accounting roles. Prior experience working in an outsourced accounting or advisory firm is a strong plus. Hands-on experience with QuickBooks Online, Xero, and bill pay or expense management platforms is highly desirable.

·      Accounting Knowledge: Strong foundational knowledge of accounting principles, double-entry bookkeeping, accrual vs. cash basis accounting, and AP/AR workflows.

·      Attention to Detail: High attention to detail is crucial to ensure accuracy in bill processing, payment recording, and financial reconciliation.

·      Technology Proficiency: Proficiency in accounting software (QBO, Xero), bill pay solutions (Ramp or similar), payroll platforms (ADP, Paychex, Rippling), and spreadsheet applications (Excel/Google Sheets). A fast learner of new financial technology and systems.

·      Communication Skills: Effective written and verbal communication skills to interact with vendors, clients, and internal team members professionally.

·      Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small yet highly effective team.

·      Ethical Standards: Adherence to high ethical standards and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality of client financial information.

·      Adaptability: Flexibility to manage multiple client accounts and adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.

Working Conditions:

The candidate should be from Mumbai region. It will be a hybrid working environment.

Career Progression:

Financial Operations Associates can advance their careers by gaining experience across the full spectrum of client financial operations, and progressing into senior accounting roles.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in accounting operations and Celeste Advisors. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Join Celeste Advisors as a Financial Operations Associate and be part of a team that is redefining professional standards in the financial consulting industry by delivering reliable and impactful solutions for our clients.

Click on Apply to know more.