Staff Accountant

StaffAccountant AbouttheRole Zero Hiring is partnering with a leading multi-location retail organization to recruit a Staff Accountant for their Edison, NJ finance team. Our client is the #1 selling furniture brand in the world and the #1 retailer of furniture and bedding in the United States. With 20+ retail locations across the tri-state area and continued expansion ahead, this role plays a critical part in managing the financial backbone of a high-volume, multi-location operation. PositionSummary We are looking for a hands‑on, forward‑thinking Staff Accountant who thrives in a fast-paced, team‑oriented environment. This role carries real ownership across close, compliance, and operational accounting—and is structured as a succession track toward Accounting Manager. KeyResponsibilities Month-End Close & Financial Reporting: Coordinate and execute monthly and quarterly close activities in accordance with GAAP, including journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and internal financial statements. Variance & Budget Analysis: Analyze and explain budget-to-actual variances and period-over-period changes, providing clear, actionable insights to leadership. Store Operations Accounting: Manage accounting activities related to new store openings, relocations, and monthly rent and occupancy cost analysis across all retail locations. Lease & Fixed Asset Management: Oversee lease accounting under ASC 842, including evaluation of new and modified contracts and maintenance of accurate fixed‑asset records. Sales & Use Tax Compliance: Prepare, file, and analyze multi‑jurisdictional sales and use tax returns; proactively identify discrepancies or risk areas. Audit & Compliance: Lead the annual audit process by coordinating with external auditors and preparing supporting schedules and documentation. System & Process Optimisation: Identify and implement improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability within accounting processes and ERP systems. Team Development: Mentor and support accounting team members as part of the succession path toward Accounting Manager. Strategic Support: Partner with the Accounting Manager and VP of Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and ad‑hoc financial analyses. RequiredQualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance 4–7 years of progressive accounting experience, ideally in retail, multi‑entity, or high‑volume environments Demonstrated expertise in month‑end close, financial statement preparation, account reconciliations, and variance analysis Strong working knowledge of GAAP, including ASC 842 lease accounting and fixed‑asset accounting Experience with ERP systems; ability to troubleshoot and support system enhancements Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency (pivot tables, complex formulas, data modelling) Proven experience supporting or leading audit preparation and interacting with external auditors Demonstrated ability to mentor or train team members PreferredQualifications CPA credential or active progress toward CPA Experience with Power BI, Power Query, Power Pivot, or data‑warehouse reporting tools Background in sales and use tax compliance or multi‑jurisdictional tax filings Exposure to new‑store accounting and operational accounting in a multi‑location retail model Experience driving process improvements within accounting operations Compensation & Benefits Base salary: $95,000–$115,000 annually, based on qualifications and experience 401(k) with company match Medical, dental, and vision benefits Paid time off and holiday pay Referral bonuses up to $1,000 Eligibility for company profit‑sharing programme Schedule Full-time, minimum 40 hours per week Hybrid: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday in‑office required #J-18808-Ljbffr Zero