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.

This is a remote role based in India, supporting US-based clients and working closely with a US-based engagement team. You will be expected to operate with a high degree of professionalism, communicate clearly across time zones, and hold yourself to the same standards as any Graphite team member — regardless of geography. CPG accounting experience is essential. Candidates without it will not be considered.

WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED HERE

This is a remote, client-adjacent role within a US-facing professional services firm. You will work alongside US-based Client Leads and Team Leads to serve clients who expect Graphite-quality accounting — accurate, timely, and professionally delivered. The following qualities define what high performance looks like in this role.

• CPG Accounting Fluency:You understand the mechanics of CPG accounting at a practitioner level — trade spend, COGS structure, inventory valuation, landed cost, deductions. You do not need these concepts explained to you; you need to apply them every day.

• US GAAP Proficiency:You work to US GAAP standards, not just in principle but in practice. Journal entries, reconciliations, and close procedures all reflect a command of US accounting standards and how they apply to CPG businesses.

• Independent Ownership:You manage your assigned accounting areas from start to finish without requiring daily direction. You know what needs to get done, you do it accurately, and you flag problems before they become someone else’s surprise.

• Professional Written Communication:You communicate clearly and professionally in English — in writing and on calls — with US-based colleagues and, when directed, with clients. Your outputs are polished. Your tone is confident and respectful.

• Cross-Timezone Reliability:You work with a US-based team across a significant time difference. Reliability, responsiveness within agreed windows, and clear communication about your availability and progress are non-negotiable.

• Responsiveness:You acknowledge requests, provide updates proactively, and close loops without being chased. In a remote, distributed team, silence creates risk. Communicate early and often.

• Coachability:You receive feedback from Client Leads and Team Leads directly and act on it quickly. Growth in this role depends as much on how well you integrate feedback as on what you already know.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

CPG-Specific Accounting Ownership

• 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 & 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 — this is 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 & 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

Graphite Financial is a growing boutique finance, accounting, tax, and strategy firm (www.graphitefinancial.com) built to help startup and high-growth companies scale efficiently and sustainably. Graphite Financial is redefining the “finance department” for early-stage companies and VC-backed startups. We deliver high-caliber accounting and finance leadership and support to entrepreneurs and management teams building scalable, high-growth companies. Our clients are actively managing cash burn, measuring performance, reporting to investors, making capital allocation decisions, and preparing for fundraising. All of that takes expertise and time that founders don’t have and can’t afford to hire for. Graphite bridges the gap with flexible, fixed-fee support packages that provide fractional leadership and operational support from CFOs, Controllers, FP&A Managers, and Tax leaders.

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