Senior Associate, Accounting - CPG

Role Purpose

Own complex accounting areas independently across a portfolio of US-based consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, contributing directly to the quality and timeliness of the month-end close. The Senior Associate, Accounting — CPG is a key execution partner to Graphite's Client Leads and Team Leads, operating with autonomy, sound accounting judgment, and a deep understanding of how CPG businesses are structured and how their books work.

Core Responsibilities

• Own and independently complete complex CPG accounting areas across assigned client engagements, including trade promotion accruals, deductions reconciliation, and promotional liability management
• Perform inventory accounting across multiple fulfillment models, including landed cost calculation, 3PL reconciliation, obsolescence reserves, and periodic inventory counts
• Apply correct COGS structure and gross-to-net revenue accounting for clients selling through retail, DTC, Amazon, and distributor channels
• Manage co-packer, contract manufacturer, and supplier accruals with accuracy and appropriate supporting documentation
• Prepare and review journal entries and account reconciliations for complex CPG balance sheet and income statement areas requiring independent judgment

Month-End Close

• Manage assigned close areas end-to-end, from initiation through final sign-off, in accordance with client close calendars and Graphite's quality standards
• Identify and resolve accounting issues proactively within your owned areas before escalation is necessary
• Maintain clean, well-organized supporting documentation for every close area, formatted and labeled to Graphite's standards
• Communicate close status, open items, and any timing risks to Client Leads clearly and ahead of deadlines

Team Contribution

• Review Associate work on shared CPG engagements and provide direct, constructive feedback that builds accounting competency
• Identify opportunities to improve documentation, templates, and close workflows within assigned CPG areas and bring concrete recommendations to Client Leads
• Share CPG-specific knowledge and best practices with the broader team to strengthen collective capability

Scope and Decision Rights

• Owns assigned accounting areas through final completion, including all supporting documentation and reconciliations
• Exercises independent accounting judgment within established US GAAP policies and Graphite's documented procedures
• Escalates complex, ambiguous, or high-risk accounting issues to the assigned Client Lead or Team Lead, promptly and with clear context
• Applies accounting policy correctly and consistently; does not set or change firm or client accounting policy
• Does not communicate directly with clients unless explicitly directed by the Client Lead

Working Model

• Fully remote position based in India, supporting US-based client engagements and working within Graphite's US-facing delivery model
• Expected to maintain agreed overlap hours with the US-based team to enable real-time collaboration during critical close periods and team check-ins
• All work is performed in English; written communication fluency is essential
• Compensation is competitive for the India market and reflects the seniority, specialization, and quality standards this role demands

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Commerce, or a related field required; CA (Chartered Accountant) qualification or active pursuit strongly preferred
• 3–6 years of professional accounting experience with direct, hands-on ownership of complex accounting areas; experience working with US-based clients or in a US GAAP environment is required
• Demonstrated CPG accounting experience, a firm requirement, not a preference. Candidates must be able to speak specifically to trade promotion accounting, inventory reconciliation, and multi-channel COGS in a CPG context
• Strong working knowledge of US GAAP; experience applying it in practice across journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation
• Proficiency in QuickBooks Online and Microsoft Excel; familiarity with NetSuite, Sage Intacct, Cin7, or similar platforms a strong plus
• Experience working in an outsourced accounting, shared services, or BPO environment serving US-based clients is strongly preferred
• Excellent written English communication skills, as your emails, documentation, and work product will be reviewed by US-based colleagues and must meet a high professional standard
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams across different client engagements simultaneously without sacrificing accuracy or timeliness

Measures of Success

• Accuracy and completeness of all CPG accounting areas owned, including trade promotion, inventory, COGS, and complex reconciliations are closed clean every month
• Close areas are completed independently and on time, without requiring active supervision or significant rework
• CPG-specific issues are caught early and resolved or escalated appropriately; Client Leads are not surprised by problems that were visible in your work
• Associate work reviewed by this role is better for having been reviewed, as feedback is specific, timely, and acted on
• US-based colleagues trust your work, your communication, and your reliability across time zones
• Responsiveness and communication quality meet the standards expected of all Graphite team members, regardless of location

Comprehensive Benefits

• Health and Wellness: Competitive Health and Wellness Plan
• Work/Life Balance To Include: Paid Time Off and Paid holidays
• Remote Work Setup: Fully remote position with company-provided technology equipment and a $250 technology stipend to support your ideal home office setup