Senior Accountant

Vaco by Highspring; Edison (NJ); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring is seeking a high-performing Senior Accountant in Edison, New Jersey. This role focuses on financial reporting, compliance, and operational accounting, with a clear path towards becoming an Accounting Manager. The ideal candidate will have 4-7 years of experience and a strong foundation in GAAP, along with advanced Excel skills.

Key responsibilities include managing monthly close activities, preparing financial statements, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. Eligible candidates will enjoy benefits including medical and dental coverage, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan.

Qualifications

• 4-7 years of progressive accounting experience in a retail environment.
• Experience with month-end close, financial statement preparation, and account reconciliations.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and ASC 842 lease accounting.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute monthly and quarterly close activities in accordance with GAAP.
• Prepare and post journal entries, reconcile balance sheet accounts.
• Produce accurate internal financial statements and management reports.

Skills

Technical accounting expertise

Process improvement

Analytical skills

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA certification preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Power BI

Job description

We are seeking a high-performing Senior Accountant who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is eager to take on increasing leadership responsibilities. This role is designed as a succession-track opportunity, with the expectation of developing into an Accounting Manager position within the next few years. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical accounting expertise, a process-improvement mindset, and the ability to partner effectively across the organization. This individual will play a key role in financial reporting, compliance, operational accounting, and team development while supporting the company's continued growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute monthly and quarterly close activities in accordance with GAAP.
• Prepare and post journal entries, reconcile balance sheet accounts, and perform account analysis.
• Produce accurate internal financial statements, management reports, and supporting schedules.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of financial results.
• Analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual budget‑to‑actual variances.
• Investigate period-over-period financial fluctuations and identify key business drivers.
• Present actionable insights and recommendations to support management decision‑making.
• Manage accounting activities related to new store openings, relocations, and store closures.
• Analyze monthly rent and occupancy expenses across retail locations.
• Partner with operational stakeholders to ensure accounting aligns with business activities.
• Oversee lease accounting under ASC 842, including evaluation of new and modified lease agreements.
• Prepare and maintain lease schedules and required supporting documentation.
• Manage fixed asset accounting, including additions, disposals, depreciation calculations, and reconciliations.
• Prepare, review, and file multi‑jurisdictional sales and use tax returns.
• Ensure compliance with applicable state and local tax regulations.
• Research discrepancies and proactively identify compliance risks.
• Lead annual audit preparation and serve as a primary liaison with external auditors.
• Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of audit requests and compliance requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, automation, accuracy, and scalability across accounting processes.
• Support ERP system enhancements, reporting improvements, and workflow optimization initiatives.
• Participate in process redesign efforts that strengthen internal controls and operational effectiveness.
• Partner with the Accounting Manager and VP of Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and strategic initiatives.
• Support ad hoc financial analyses and special projects that drive operational performance and company growth.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• CPA designation or active pursuit of CPA certification preferred.

Required Experience:

• 4‑7 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within a retail, multi‑entity, or high‑volume operating environment.
• Strong experience with month‑end close, financial statement preparation, account reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Solid understanding of GAAP, including hands‑on experience with ASC 842 lease accounting and fixed asset accounting.
• Experience working within ERP systems and supporting system enhancements and process improvements.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, complex formulas, and data analysis.
• Experience preparing for and supporting external audits.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, or team development experience.

Preferred Experience & Technical Skills:

• Experience with Power BI, Power Query, Power Pivot, or other business intelligence and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of sales and use tax compliance and multi‑state tax filings.
• Experience supporting multi‑location retail operations.
• Proven track record of implementing process improvements and automation initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to translate financial data into meaningful business insights.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Proactive, solutions‑oriented approach to identifying and implementing improvements.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain high‑quality work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and leadership levels.

Benefits: Eligible for medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its affiliates are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, 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 applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants who need them. For more information, contact [e-mail].