Jobs / Senior Accountant / applicant #6
Riley Thompson
for Senior Accountant · evaluated June 11, 2026 · google/gemini-3-flash-preview
Fit summary
Riley Thompson is a strong match for the Senior Accountant role, bringing 6 years of progressive experience including public accounting and a current Senior role at a $120M distribution company. They possess the required Bachelor's degree and have passed 3 of 4 CPA exam sections, demonstrating high technical proficiency. Riley's specific experience in cutting close timelines and managing complex reconciliations aligns perfectly with the client's need for a proactive, analytical professional.
Why this score
The candidate exceeds the 3+ years experience requirement and has a direct background in full-cycle accounting and audit support. They are a CPA candidate (3/4 passed) and have demonstrated tangible process improvements, such as reducing the month-end close by 5 days. The score is slightly below 100 only because the resume lacks explicit mention of compensation/benefits accounting and experience with the specific ERPs listed (Oracle/Dynamics), though they are a NetSuite power user.
The score grades on
- Years of relevant accounting experience
- Educational background and CPA progress
- Demonstrated ability to improve close processes
- Technical proficiency in reconciliations and variance analysis
The score does NOT grade on
- Culture fit (requires in-person interview)
- Specific industry knowledge of manufacturing vs distribution
- Soft skills beyond what was observed in a brief screen
Suggested next action
submit
Riley is a high-quality candidate who meets all core requirements, is local, and is actively pursuing their CPA. Their success in improving close processes makes them an immediate value-add.
Decision support only. A recruiter reviews every recommendation.
Strengths to highlight to the client
- CPA Candidate (3/4 sections passed)
- Proven track record of reducing month-end close cycle (12 days to 7)
- Strong reconciliation skills, specifically 'cleaning up' historical variances
- Local to St. Louis with immediate availability (2-week notice)
Risks to discuss internally
- Limited experience specifically in manufacturing (current background is distribution/public accounting)
- Salary expectations are at the bottom of the client's range, which may suggest a need to verify the depth of their 'Senior' level experience
- Preference for hybrid work while the client's stance is not fully defined
Missing information to clarify
- Specific experience with payroll, benefits, and relocation expense accounting
- Exposure to international accounting or multi-currency consolidations
- Experience with manufacturing-specific accounting like COGS or inventory valuation
Client submittal summary
I am pleased to recommend Riley Thompson for the Senior Accountant position. Riley brings 6 years of experience, including a foundational background in public accounting and a current role as a Senior Accountant for a $120M distribution firm. Riley has a proven ability to drive efficiency, notably reducing their current employer's month-end close from 12 to 7 days and resolving long-standing reconciliation discrepancies. With 3 of 4 CPA exam sections completed and a strong command of NetSuite and advanced Excel, Riley offers the technical rigor and proactive mindset required for your global finance team. They are a local St. Louis candidate available to start within two weeks.
Tailored interview questions
- You mentioned reducing the close cycle from 12 to 7 days; what specific process changes or automations did you implement to achieve this?
- This role involves partnering with HR on compensation and benefits accounting. Can you describe your experience with payroll accruals or employee-related expense reporting?
- Can you walk us through a complex reconciliation you 'cleaned up' and how you ensured the errors did not recur?
- How do you approach variance analysis when presenting results to senior leadership?
ATS tags
Resume text (from Riley-Thompson-Resume.pdf)
RILEY THOMPSON Kirkwood, MO | (314) 555-0186 | riley.thompson.acct@example.com SUMMARY Senior accountant with 6 years of progressive experience across month-end close, GL ownership, and financial reporting at a distribution company and a public accounting firm. CPA exam 3 of 4 sections passed. Known for cleaning up messy reconciliations and cutting close timelines. SKILLS Accounting: Month-end close, GL, reconciliations, accruals, fixed assets, revenue recognition Reporting: Monthly financial statements, variance analysis, audit support, flux analysis Systems: NetSuite, QuickBooks, Excel (pivot tables, XLOOKUP, Power Query), Bill.com EXPERIENCE Senior Accountant | Gateway Distribution Partners, St. Louis MO (2022 to Present) Wholesale distributor, $120M revenue. - Own month-end close for 3 entities, cut close from 12 business days to 7 - Prepare monthly financials and variance commentary for the controller and CFO - Rebuilt 14 balance sheet reconciliations that had unexplained variances going back 2 years - Primary contact for external auditors, prepared PBC schedules with zero significant findings Staff Accountant | Brennan & Yost CPAs, St. Louis MO (2019 to 2022) Regional public accounting firm. - Performed reviews and compilations for 30+ small business clients - Prepared corporate and partnership tax returns during 3 busy seasons EDUCATION B.S.B.A. Accounting, Saint Louis University, 2019. CPA candidate, 3 of 4 sections passed.
Screening call notes
Screening call 6/10, 18 min. Riley is a senior accountant at a $120M distributor, owns close for 3 entities, cut close from 12 to 7 days. CPA exam 3 of 4 parts passed, sitting for REG in August. Sharp on reconciliation details, gave specific examples without prompting. Wants 85-90K, currently at 78K. Already gave notice, available in 2 weeks. Prefers hybrid, 2 days remote, but said negotiable for the right team. NetSuite power user which matches the client stack. Slight concern: only 2 employers since college, asked why leaving and answer was a bit rehearsed (manager turnover). Overall strong, move fast.