Sr. Staff Accountant, Financial Reporting

Education - It's in Our DNA

At Barnes & Noble Education ("BNED") we are dedicated to making tomorrow a better, more inclusive, and smarter world by servicing all who work in education. As a leading solutions provider for the education industry, we are committed to driving affordability, accessibility, and achievement at hundreds of academic institutions nationwide by ensuring millions of students are equipped for success in the classroom and beyond. Together, our teams work to elevate lives through education.

The Sr. Staff Accountant, Financial Reporting, is responsible for performing complex accounting activities, including accounting and reporting for leases, that support the integrity of the Company's financial reporting and general ledger. This role manages assigned accounting responsibilities, prepares and analyzes financial information, ensures compliance with U.S. GAAP and internal controls, and plays a key role in the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes. The Senior Staff Accountant partners across Finance and the business to resolve accounting matters, improve processes, support financial reporting, and drive operational excellence. This position exercises a high degree of professional judgment and serves as a technical resource within the accounting team.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Prepare, review, and record complex journal entries and supporting documentation in accordance with U.S. GAAP and company policies.
• Own assigned accounting processes and general ledger accounts, ensuring transactions are recorded accurately, completely, and timely.
• Perform detailed account reconciliations, financial analyses, and variance investigations while identifying and resolving accounting issues.
• Perform monthly close procedures, journal entries, and reconciliations for ROU assets, lease liabilities, and rent expenses. Will also participate in updates to lease accounting software.
• Lead assigned activities during the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Participate in the preparation and distribution of monthly financial statements
• Prepare and analyze supporting schedules and financial reporting deliverables for management, auditors, and other stakeholders.
• Research accounting issues and apply appropriate accounting guidance to ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and company policies.
• Evaluate accounting processes, identify opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and enhance the quality of financial reporting.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to resolve accounting matters, support business initiatives, and ensure the accuracy of financial information.
• Assist with internal and external audit requests by preparing supporting documentation and responding to inquiries.
• Participate in the implementation of new accounting standards, system enhancements, and other departmental initiatives.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource to other members of the accounting team by sharing expertise, providing guidance, and promoting best practices.
• Exercise sound professional judgment and independent decision-making while managing multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Additional responsibilities as required.

What You'll Need to Succeed

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• 5+ years of progressive corporate accounting, general ledger, financial reporting, or public accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, and internal control principles.
• Experience performing complex account reconciliations, including lease accounting, financial analysis, and month-end close activities.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; ERP experience required (PeopleSoft preferred).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to independently prioritize workload, manage multiple deadlines, and adapt to changing business needs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively partner across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to identify process improvements and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and sound judgment.

Please Note: This is a hybrid role requiring in-office attendance three (3) days per week at our Florham Park, NJ headquarters. Applicants must be within a commutable distance, as relocation assistance will not be provided.

How We Elevate Our Employees

We believe your success is our success, so our benefits package is designed specifically to support you in every aspect of your life. At BNED, we offer a variety of programs and resources to support the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our employees by offering a competitive total rewards package for full-time employees, which includes medical, dental, and vision plans, 401k with an annual discretionary match, life insurance, commuter benefits, paid time off with paid holidays, and a broad range of other benefits.

The hiring range for this position is $70,000 - $75,000 annually. This range represents the base salary only, in good faith at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, and qualifications.