Staff Accountant

BEST BRANDS CONSUMER PRODUCTS; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Best Brands in New York seeks a Finance Associate focused on AR/AP to support the Controller with month-end close, reconciliations, and daily accounting.

You will own the accounts receivable and accounts payable functions, process invoices, apply cash, manage deductions, and assist with audits. The role emphasizes automation, technology, and accuracy in a fast-moving wholesale environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 2+ years of accounting experience, background in accounts receivable is a plus.
• Proficiency with Excel and experience with ERP/billing/finance systems.
• Excellent communication, follow-up, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience in a wholesale, retail, or consumer products environment is a plus, but not required.
• Demonstrated interest in leveraging technology, automation, and AI tools to improve processes and productivity.

Responsibilities

• Own daily cash application, posting deposits and resolving unapplied cash, short payments, and chargebacks.
• Monitor customer aging and support collection efforts.
• Serve as a liaison between Accounting, Sales, and Operations for onboarding and timely issue resolution.
• Prepare AR reporting and support monthly AR reserve & allowance analysis.
• Monitor the AP inbox and process approximately 30 OpEx vendor invoices weekly.
• Onboard new AP vendors, including obtaining 1099 information and confirming payment details.
• Coordinate with third-party team on inventory-related payables, ensuring timely processing.
• Identify opportunities to streamline AR & AP workflows and modernize file retention.
• Support month-end close with journal entries and reconciliation of bank and general ledger accounts.
• Assist with annual financial statement audit.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives, special projects, and ad hoc analyses.

Skills

Excel

Accounts Receivable

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Billing systems

Job description

Best Brands is a consumer goods importer and wholesaler supplying major U.S. retail accounts including Dollar Tree, Walmart, Amazon, Publix, and TJX. We operate a fast-moving supply chain with a lean, high-ownership team, the people who join us run their domains, not just their tasks.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This role is a key member of the Finance team, responsible for supporting the Controller with month-end close, account reconciliations, and day-to-day accounting activities. The role has primary ownership of the accounts receivable function, including cash application, customer deduction management, collections support, and reporting. The role also has primary ownership of the accounts payable function, including input of vendor invoices, obtaining necessary approvals, and processing payments. For the right candidate, this role offers the opportunity to take ownership of existing processes, drive improvements through technology and automation, and grow their responsibilities as the Finance function continues to evolve.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own daily cash application, including posting approximately 20–30 customer deposits per week and resolving unapplied cash, short payments, and chargebacks.
• Monitor customer aging and support collection efforts.
• Serve as a key liaison between Accounting, Sales, and Operations to assist with new customer onboarding and support timely issue resolution.
• Prepare regular AR reporting and support monthly AR reserve & allowance analysis.
• Monitor the AP email inbox and process approximately 30 OpEx vendor invoices per week, ensuring accurate coding and timely approvals.
• Onboard new AP vendors, including obtaining required 1099 information and confirming payment details.
• Coordinate with third-party team on inventory related payables, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
• Identify opportunities to streamline AR & AP workflows, improve documentation processes, and modernize file retention.
• Support the month-end close process through the preparation of journal entries and reconciliation of bank and general ledger accounts.
• Assist with annual financial statement audit.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives, special projects, and ad hoc analyses as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 2+ years of accounting experience, background in accounts receivable is a plus.
• Proficiencywith Excel and experience with ERP/billing/finance systems.
• Excellent communication, follow-up, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience in a wholesale, retail, or consumer products environment is a plus, but not required.
• DEmonstrated interest in leveraging technology, automation, and AI tools to improve processes and productivity.