Accounting Executive – Freight Forwarding

Location: Torrance, CASalary: $70,000–$80,000 annuallyJob Type: Full-timeDepartment: Accounting and AdministrationSupervisory Responsibility: 1–2 team members

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Accounting Executive to manage day-to-day accounting and financial operations for a freight forwarding company. This role oversees the full accounting cycle, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, bank reconciliations, financial reporting, month-end and year-end closing, audit preparation, and tax coordination.

The ideal candidate must have accounting experience within the freight forwarding or international logistics industry and hands-on proficiency with CargoWise. This position also provides guidance to junior staff and works closely with the Finance Manager and Head Office.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the complete accounts receivable process, including invoicing, credit notes, payment postings, statements of account, collections, and month-end closing.
• Monitor outstanding receivables and provide regular collection-status reports to management.
• Process customer credit applications, including credit and background checks.
• Oversee accounts payable, including invoice verification, postings, reconciliations, and vendor payments.
• Process office expenses, employee reimbursements, and other approved payments.
• Maintain the company cash book and complete accurate bank reconciliations.
• Provide weekly cash-position and cash-book reports to the Branch Manager and Head Office.
• Maintain the fixed-assets register, including depreciation and asset disposals.
• Manage month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Maintain a full set of accounts through the audit stage.
• Prepare financial statements, management reports, and financial analyses.
• Investigate accounting discrepancies and implement appropriate corrections.
• Prepare audit schedules and respond to audit and tax-related inquiries.
• Coordinate with external auditors and tax consultants regarding annual audits and tax-return submissions.
• Prepare and process sales commission reports when required.
• Liaise with banks and foreign-exchange providers on financial matters.
• Maintain accurate accounting records in CargoWise.
• Support general office administration and other operational needs.
• Train, delegate assignments to, and provide guidance to junior team members.

Required Qualifications

• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• At least five years of relevant accounting experience.
• Accounting experience within freight forwarding, international logistics, or a closely related industry.
• Hands-on proficiency with CargoWise/CargoWise One.
• Experience managing the full accounting cycle, including AR, AP, general ledger, reconciliations, closing, and financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, internal controls, and financial procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
• Experience preparing for audits and coordinating tax-related matters
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with management and Head Office.

Performance Expectations

• Complete month-end and year-end closing activities accurately and on schedule.
• Proactively communicate discrepancies, risks, and potential delays.
• Maintain strong internal controls and accurate financial records.
• Provide management with timely updates on cash flow, collections, and other critical financial matters.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, and confidentiality.
• Manage priorities independently with minimal supervision.
• Support team development and identify opportunities to improve accounting processes.