Staff Accountant

Central-Oil is seeking a detail-oriented Staff Accountant with a strong background in accounts receivable (AR) management to support the accounting function for our retail hardware store business. This role owns full-cycle accounting for the retail operation – including journal entries, account reconciliations, and full accounts payable and accounts receivable processing – and is responsible for preparing and filing sales tax returns.

Because the company also operates a distribution side of the business, this role will also assist with collections and AR management for distribution/wholesale customer accounts, which is why AR and collections experience is a key requirement. The ideal candidate is hands-on, comfortable owning both AP and AR end-to-end, and able to work cross-functionally with store operations, distribution/sales, and management to keep the books accurate and receivables current.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Retail Full-Cycle Accounting

Prepare and post journal entries; maintain and reconcile the general ledger for the retail hardware store business.

Perform monthly bank, credit card, and balance sheet account reconciliations.

Reconcile daily store sales, cash, and credit card transactions and tie out to POS/register records.

Reconcile inventory and cost of goods sold activity with store-level data.

Support month-end and year-end close, including accruals, prepaids, and account analysis.

Assist in preparing financial statements and supporting schedules for management review.

Prepare, file, and remit state and local sales tax returns accurately and on time.

Support internal controls, audit requests, and process documentation.

Identify and recommend process improvements to increase accuracy and efficiency.

Accounts Payable – Full Cycle

Own the full AP process: vendor invoice receipt, coding, matching, and approval routing.

Process payment runs (checks, ACH, wires) and maintain accurate vendor records.

Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies with vendors and store operations.

Maintain organized AP documentation to support month-end close and audits.

Accounts Receivable – Full Cycle (Retail)

Own the full AR process for retail customer accounts: invoicing, cash application, and account reconciliation.

Monitor AR aging and follow up on past-due balances; escalated delinquent accounts per company policy.

Research and resolve billing discrepancies, short payments, and disputed charges.

Maintain accurate customer master data and supporting documentation for audit readiness.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field required.

2–5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including hands-on accounts receivable/collections responsibility.

Solid understanding of full-cycle accounting, GAAP, and month-end close procedures.

Experience preparing and filing sales tax returns preferred

Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, reconciliation workbooks).

Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage deadlines across both retail and distribution responsibilities.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work directly with retail customers, distribution/wholesale accounts, and internal teams on collections and billing issues.

Why Join COS?

• Work-Life Balance
• 8 paid holidays, and generous PTO
• Professional Growth
• Opportunities for advancement and skill development
• Competitive Compensation
• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision, STD and Life Insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) with employer match and immediate vesting