Staff Accountant

Staff 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 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. Key Responsibilities 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. Qualifications 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 within 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. What You'll Gain 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 accounting professional looking to broaden their experience, make a meaningful impact, and advance their career within a growing organization. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr