Administrative Accounting Consultation

This job is for ongoing consultation on an as-needed basis to assist our company with various book-keeping and accounting questions as they arise. See attachment for specific projects. Requirements: - at least 3 years of job-related accounting experience - experience with 2 or more different accounting platforms - must be able to navigate the Mac OS X operating system (we are strictly a mac-based office). - proficiency with Microsoft Office products like Word and Excel - maintain a flexible schedule of availability between 8-5p Central Time (we understand you may actively work with other clients, but expect reasonable communication turn-around times) - ability to learn basics of new software quickly and efficiently (including AvaTax [login to view URL]) Desired Qualities (not required): - to be an insured Certified Public Accountant Work to be Done: Freelancer will need to learn how to navigate, then work with, the aACE ERP platform ([login to view URL] & [login to view URL]), working occasionally in Quickbooks for Mac (our legacy accounting software) and offer ongoing support to our staff and/or execution of tasks in the following areas: - Bookkeeping methodology - "given this situation, how do I account for this transaction" - Costing/COGS Reconciliation - Account reconciliation - bank accounts, PayPal, etc. - Inventory management - Report generation and preparation - Internal auditing - Working with our Tax Accountant to prepare tax documents - Suggest/setup new and improve existing bookkeeping/accounting practices - Work on bookkeeping and accounting related projects - Other accounting processes/projects as needed (see attached document) Current Projects: We are working on completing the implementation of our now current account software aACE. We started transitioning our accounting software from QuickBooks back in 2014. We had an overlap period from September 1 to December 31 where we were using both systems (Quickbooks for Mac 2013 and aACE). Starting on Jan 1, 2015 we discontinued use of Quickbooks and have only been using aACE for new transactions ever since. The purpose of the overlap period was for training and system-to-system validation purposes. The freelancer will be involved in helping to complete this transition process as not all 2014 overlap records have been successfully entered into aACE. We have a handful of various questions that have been piling up regarding how to handle different transactions, COGS reconciliation, etc. This will be one of the first things we tackle with the freelancer. Determining Quality Candidates: If you've read the job this far and are interested in applying for this position/job, please give a succinct, yet complete answer to the screening questions. Candidates who do not answer these questions will not be considered. Additional clarifier questions are welcomed. Thanks. 1). Given the limited information about the Quickbooks to aACE transition project, is it possible to avoid entering further aACE records for 2014 (such that the 2014 ending balance matches Quickbooks and our 1120S income tax records) for the purpose of expediting the completion of this project? If it is possible, what would be some benefits and drawbacks of discontinuing 2014 overlapping record entry, creating a general journal entry that creates the correct starting balance for 2015, then moving on to closing each month of 2015? 2). How would you perform an internal audit of our company books to improve efficiency of processes and minimize risk? Communication: Freelancer will work only remotely via terminal server access to personal account on our server and screen-sharing. Will use Skype, phone, and email as means of communication. Will be working mainly with 2-3 staff members who have close control of the books and occasionally with owners for financial reporting and aACE support staff on complex software functionality questions.