Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant (Hybrid)

Location: Metuchen, NJ Area

Schedule: Hybrid (In Office Monday, Tuesday & Thursday)

A growing, multi-location organization in Central New Jersey is seeking a motivated Staff Accountant to join its accounting team. This position offers strong visibility across the organization and a clear path for professional growth, including future leadership opportunities.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented accounting professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, partnering with cross-functional teams, and contributing to process improvements that support organizational growth.

Financial Close & Reporting

• Support and execute monthly and quarterly close activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.
• Analyze balance sheet and income statement accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Assist in preparing management reports and financial analyses.

Financial Analysis

• Review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial results.
• Investigate and explain budget-to-actual and period-over-period variances.
• Provide meaningful financial insights to support business operations and decision-making.

Operational Accounting

• Support accounting activities related to new locations, facility changes, and occupancy-related expenses.
• Monitor recurring operational costs and ensure proper accounting treatment.
• Collaborate with business partners to ensure financial accuracy and consistency.

Lease & Fixed Asset Accounting

• Maintain lease accounting schedules and ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards.
• Track fixed asset additions, disposals, transfers, and depreciation activity.
• Reconcile fixed asset records and support related reporting requirements.

Tax & Compliance

• Prepare and file sales and use tax returns across multiple jurisdictions.
• Monitor compliance requirements and identify potential areas of risk.
• Assist with maintaining accurate supporting documentation.

Audit Support

• Coordinate audit requests and prepare supporting schedules.
• Serve as a key contributor during annual financial audits.
• Ensure timely and accurate responses to auditor inquiries.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting workflows, reporting processes, and system utilization.
• Participate in ERP enhancements, automation initiatives, and process optimization projects.
• Support efforts to increase efficiency and scalability within the accounting function.

Leadership & Development

• Provide guidance and training to junior team members when needed.
• Share best practices and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
• Develop skills and competencies aligned with future leadership opportunities.

Strategic Projects

• Partner with Accounting and Finance leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and special projects.
• Assist with financial analyses that support operational and strategic initiatives.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 2-4 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience with month-end close, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.
• Working knowledge of lease accounting and fixed asset accounting.
• Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and complex formulas.
• Experience supporting audit activities and preparing audit documentation.

Preferred

• CPA or active pursuit of CPA certification.
• Experience with in retail, consumer products, distribution, or other multi-location environments.
• Experience with process improvement initiatives and accounting system enhancements.
• Prior mentoring or training experience with junior staff members.

• Hybrid work environment with strong work-life balance.
• Exposure to senior leadership and cross-functional business operations.
• Opportunity to participate in process improvement and strategic initiatives.
• Clear career progression path into future accounting leadership opportunities.
• Collaborative and growth-oriented team culture.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious…