Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant About the Role Zero Hiring is partnering with a leading multi-location retail organisation 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. Position Summary 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. Key Responsibilities 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: Analyse 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 analyse 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 Required Qualifications 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 Preferred Qualifications 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 Our Hiring Process We've designed our process to get you from application to offer in 2–3 weeks — no lengthy waiting periods, no unnecessary stages. Step 1 — AI Interview (within 48 hours of applying) Complete a short AI-powered interview at a time that suits you. No scheduling required — you choose when you do it, and it can be completed within 48 hours of applying. Step 2 — Recruiter Call A member of the Zero Hiring team will reach out to walk you through the role and the business in more detail, answer your questions, and make sure this is the right fit on both sides. Step 3 — Client Interviews You'll meet the team. Typically 2–3 interviews with the hiring organisation, designed to give both parties a thorough and genuine sense of fit. Step 4 — Offer If it's a match, we move fast. Expect a clear, timely offer without the drawn-out back-and-forth.quality.