Is the Staff Accountant role at Sunshinesachs remote?

The Staff Accountant role at Sunshinesachs is an on-site position located in New York, NY.

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Staff Accountant

SunshinesachsNew York, NY2w ago

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis is a leading global communications agency built to navigate the complexities of a hyper-connected world. We represent the icons and innovators shaping culture—from global heritage corporations and high-growth tech startups to the non-profits, creative legends, and visionary founders who define the global discourse.

Our expertise spans the full cultural spectrum. We operate at the intersection of entertainment, social impact, corporate reputation, and consumer lifestyle, executing seamlessly across traditional media, social-first outlets, brand partnerships, and influencer ecosystems. Whether we are navigating complex crisis management, elevating advocacy campaigns, or launching global consumer brands, we are storytellers at our core.

You may notice our digital presence is purposefully understated. While our clients are global household names, we believe the best work happens with the spotlight stays firmly on those we represent. We fly under the radar by design - preferring to let our campaigns, and our results, speak for themselves.

If you're driven, intentional, and ready to do good, we're ready for you!

We are seeking an experienced accounting professional with 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience to join our finance team. In this role, you will co-own the financial operations between our account teams and clients, managing the complete billing lifecycle, driving process improvements, and ensuring the financial integrity of client engagements. This is a high-impact role requiring both technical accounting expertise and the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic agency environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Billing & Revenue Management

Own end-to-end billing processes for multiple clients, ensuring accuracy and compliance with contract terms

Manage complex billing arrangements including retainers, project-based fees, and performance incentives

Lead resolution of billing disputes and client financial inquiries

Drive improvements to billing efficiency and accuracy

Financial Operations & Reconciliation

Perform monthly bank and account reconciliations with full ownership of variance resolution

Monitor and manage Accounts Receivable, including collection efforts and aging analysis

Execute month-end close processes and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting

Expense & Vendor Management

Review and approve employee expense reports and vendor invoices for compliance and proper project allocation

Manage vendor relationships and payment processing for media buys, events, and agency services

Ensure accurate coding of pass-through expenses to client projects

Budget Analysis & Financial Planning

Track and analyze client budgets, providing proactive alerts and variance explanations

Prepare detailed budget vs. actual reports with insights for account leadership

Collaborate on revenue forecasting and financial planning for active client engagements

Identify trends and recommend corrective actions when budgets are at risk

Process & Systems Leadership

Maintain and optimize financial records in Sage accounting software

Serve as subject matter expert for billing and accounting processes

Experience & Education

3-5 years of accounting experience, preferably in professional services, agencies, or project-based business models

Bachelor's degree in Accounting preferred

Demonstrated track record of managing full-cycle accounting processes with minimal supervision

Technical Skills

Advanced Excel proficiency (complex formulas, Pivot Tables, data analysis)

Proven experience with accounting/ERP systems; Sage Intacct experience preferred

Experience with project-based billing and time & expense systems

Strong analytical skills with ability to identify trends and anomalies in financial data

Core Competencies

Meticulous attention to detail with commitment to accuracy under tight deadlines

Strong business acumen and ability to connect financial data to operational realities

Excellent communication skills: comfortable presenting financial information to both finance and non-finance audiences

Problem-solving mindset with ability to work independently and escalate appropriately

Professional judgment and discretion with sensitive financial information

Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

The PR Agency Culture Fit

You thrive in deadline-driven environments and can pivot quickly when client needs shift

You understand that agency life means flexibility: month-end, client deadlines, and new business pitches don't always coordinate

You take ownership of your work but collaborate effectively across teams

Benefits x Perks

We go well beyond the benefits that you’re looking for like medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with matching, annual merit-based bonuses, PTO, fertility, FSA for medical, childcare, and commuter expenses. Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis offers those benefits and many perks including, a flexible work schedule, Work from Anywhere program, Summer Fridays, Wellness Days, and a 4-week sabbatical or trip to celebrate select anniversaries. We love to socialize so, we have collaborative workspaces, some offices even have rooftops, celebrations, networking opportunities, and community volunteering. We frequently mark opportunities to listen, learn and act throughout the year (Juneteenth, Election Day, International Women’s Day, etc.).

SSM&L is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and ability. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, identity and expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

There’s more!

From day one, employees are carefully matched with a mentor to guide them on their path to success. Training and mentoring are a big deal here and since we are into promoting from within, we make sure to provide more than enough tools for you to learn and grow. We are proud to offer training throughout the year on topics for professional growth as well as personal growth. We have also developed a series of teaching workshops that are structured for each level of the company. Sunshiners also take love to take advantage of the monthly Meet the Industry series where industry thought leaders provide valuable insider info on how to work with them and their colleagues.