Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant (Hybrid) Location: Metuchen, NJ Area Schedule: Hybrid (In Office Monday, Tuesday & Thursday) About the Opportunity A growing multi-location organization in Central New Jersey is seeking a talented Senior Accountant to join its Finance team. This position is ideal for an experienced accounting professional looking to expand their leadership responsibilities and advance toward an Accounting Manager role in the coming years. The successful candidate will play a key role in financial reporting, operational accounting, compliance, process improvement, and team development while partnering closely with Finance leadership to support the company's continued growth. Key Responsibilities Financial Close & Reporting Lead monthly and quarterly close activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation. Review and analyze balance sheet accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness. Prepare management reports and financial analyses to support leadership decision-making. Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal accounting policies. Financial Analysis & Business Support Analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial results. Investigate and explain budget-to-actual and period-over-period variances. Provide actionable insights and recommendations to management. Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning initiatives. Operational Accounting Manage accounting activities associated with facility expansions, relocations, and occupancy-related expenses. Monitor operational costs and ensure proper accounting treatment and reporting. Collaborate with business leaders to support financial and operational objectives. Lease & Fixed Asset Accounting Maintain lease accounting schedules and compliance with applicable accounting standards. Manage fixed asset records, depreciation schedules, additions, transfers, and disposals. Ensure accurate reconciliation and reporting of fixed asset activity. Tax Compliance Prepare and review multi-state sales and use tax filings. Monitor compliance requirements and identify potential areas of risk. Support tax-related reporting and audit requests. Audit & Internal Controls Serve as a key lead during annual financial audits. Coordinate audit requests, prepare supporting schedules, and interact directly with external auditors. Assist in strengthening internal controls and ensuring ongoing compliance. Process Improvement & Systems Enhancement Identify opportunities to streamline accounting workflows and improve efficiency. Participate in ERP optimization initiatives, automation projects, and reporting enhancements. Support continuous improvement efforts across the accounting function. Leadership & Team Development Mentor and support junior accounting staff through training and knowledge sharing. Help establish best practices and contribute to a collaborative team environment. Serve as a leadership resource and support succession planning efforts within the department. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. 4-7 years of progressive accounting experience. Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting requirements. Experience managing month-end close activities, 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, complex formulas, and financial modeling. Experience supporting or leading audit preparation and external audit coordination. Demonstrated ability to mentor, train, or guide team members. Preferred CPA designation or active pursuit of CPA certification. Experience in retail, distribution, consumer products, or other multi-location environments. Exposure to process improvement initiatives and system implementations. Desire to grow into a future Accounting Manager position. Benefits Clear succession path into Accounting Management. Exposure to senior leadership and strategic business initiatives. Opportunity to influence process improvements and operational efficiencies. Hybrid work environment with strong work-life balance. Collaborative culture focused on professional growth and development. Eligible for discretionary bonuses, and participation in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as 401(k) retirement plan. If you're a motivated accounting professional seeking the next step in your career and interested in developing into a future finance leader, we'd love to hear from you. #J-18808-Ljbffr Vaco Recruiter Services