Senior Staff Accountant (Nashville Metropolitan Area)

New World Imports, Inc. is seeking a Senior Staff Accountant for managing the company's day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, collections, general ledger maintenance, account reconciliations, month-end close, financial reporting, tax compliance, customs-related accounting, and real estate accounting.

This is a hands-on role requiring an experienced, detail-oriented accounting professional who can manage multiple accounting functions independently, with minimal supervision and no dedicated accounting support. Reporting directly to the VP, this individual will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, resolving discrepancies, completing reconciliations, and meeting established reporting and compliance deadlines.

The ideal candidate is proactive, organized, analytical, and comfortable taking ownership of accounting responsibilities from transaction entry through reconciliation and reporting. Experience in a small-business environment and real estate accounting is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

General Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Manage daily accounting activities, including transaction entry, journal entries, accruals, adjustments, and general ledger maintenance.
• Prepare and reconcile balance sheet, income statement, bank, credit card, and other general ledger accounts.
• Manage month-end and year-end close activities, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
• Prepare monthly financial statements, supporting schedules, and ad hoc reports for management.
• Research discrepancies, investigate unusual account activity, and maintain complete supporting documentation.
• Review transactions for accuracy, proper coding, and consistency with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Collections

• Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable, including invoice processing, payment applications, account maintenance, credits, debits, and adjustments.
• Review and process vendor invoices, coordinate approvals, prepare payments, and resolve vendor discrepancies.
• Monitor outstanding receivables, maintain aging reports, and conduct weekly collection follow-ups.
• Investigate billing disputes, unapplied cash, payment discrepancies, and outstanding balances.
• Respond to customer and vendor inquiries and maintain accurate account records.

Real Estate Accounting

• Manage accounting activities related to real estate operations, including property-related billings, collections, accounts payable, and expense tracking.
• Maintain accurate tenant accounts, monitor outstanding balances, and resolve billing and payment discrepancies.
• Perform property-level reconciliations and maintain supporting financial schedules and documentation.
• Monitor tenant insurance requirements, follow up on missing or expired certificates of insurance, and coordinate resolution of compliance issues.
• Prepare property-related financial information and reports for the VP as requested.

Tax, Customs, and Compliance

• Prepare and file applicable sales and use tax returns and reconcile related accounts.
• Perform monthly customs-related accounting, reconciliations, reporting, and documentation.
• Maintain accurate records to support tax filings, audits, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with external tax advisors, customs brokers, and other service providers as necessary.

Systems, Controls, and Process Improvement

• Utilize accounting and ERP systems to process transactions, maintain financial records, and generate reports.
• Maintain accurate system data and supporting documentation, ensuring compliance with company policies and accounting procedures.
• Support and maintain accounting activities within Epicor Prophet 21 (P21) and Yardi.
• Identify and resolve accounting discrepancies, strengthen internal controls, and recommend process improvements.
• Support internal and external audits by providing reconciliations, schedules, and requested documentation.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Several years of hands-on accounting experience, including general ledger accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple accounting functions independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, journal entries, account reconciliations, and month-end close procedures.
• Real estate or property management accounting experience preferred.
• Sales and use tax preparation and compliance experience preferred.
• Experience with ERP or accounting systems; Epicor Prophet 21 and Yardi experience preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with management, customers, vendors, tenants, and external service providers.
• High level of accuracy, accountability, initiative, and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.

Reporting Relationship

The Senior Staff Accountant reports directly to the VP and is expected to independently manage assigned accounting responsibilities from transaction entry through reconciliation and reporting, without dedicated accounting support.

The successful candidate will demonstrate ownership of accounting activities, maintain accurate and timely financial records, proactively resolve discrepancies, meet reporting and compliance deadlines, and communicate significant issues and risks to the VP.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (100% of the monthly premium paid by the employer)
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
• 401(k) and Profit-Sharing Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)