Staff Accountant

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.; Ridgedale Park (NJ); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. is seeking a Staff Accountant to support accurate monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes and financial reporting.

You will prepare journal entries, maintain reconciliations across cash, payroll liabilities, fixed assets, and other general ledger accounts, and collaborate with Inventory Control and Store Operations.

The role emphasizes process improvements, AI-enabled tools, and ERP systems like PeopleSoft and Intrepid, with a hybrid in Florham Park, NJ.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• 2–3 years of general ledger accounting or public accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, reconciliations, variance analysis, internal controls and policies.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and ERP experience preferred, with PeopleSoft experience a plus.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deliverables in a deadline-driven, fast-paced close environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and record monthly journal entries, including supporting schedules and documentation, in accordance with GAAP and company policies.
• Prepare and maintain reconciliations for multiple high-activity cash accounts, payroll-related liabilities, fixed assets, prepaid expenses, debt, and other general ledger accounts using Cadency and other systems.
• Participate in monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities to support timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Assist with the preparation and analysis of internal financial statements and related reporting deliverables.
• Serve as a liaison with Inventory Control and Store Operations to maintain closed-store information in PeopleSoft and Intrepid.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and leverage AI tools to enhance efficiency.
• Participate in testing, implementation, and maintenance of PeopleSoft, Intrepid, and other systems used by General Accounting.
• Support adherence to internal controls and documentation requirements.

Skills

General ledger accounting

Variance analysis

Internal controls

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

PeopleSoft

Intrepid

Cadency

Excel

Job description

The Staff Accountant supports accurate and timely financial reporting through the preparation, analysis, and reconciliation of general ledger accounts. This role contributes to the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes and helps ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data across balance sheet and income statement accounts. In addition to core accounting responsibilities, the Staff Accountant supports accruals and account analysis while partnering with internal teams and external stakeholders to research and resolve discrepancies and improve financial processes.How You'll Make an ImpactPrepare and record monthly journal entries, including supporting schedules and documentation, in accordance with GAAP and company accounting policies.Prepare and maintain reconciliations for multiple high-activity cash accounts, payroll-related liabilities, fixed assets, prepaid expenses, debt, and other assigned general ledger accounts using Cadency and other applicable systems.Participate in monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities to support timely and accurate financial reporting.Assist with the preparation and analysis of internal financial statements and related reporting deliverables.Serve as a liaison with Inventory Control and Store Operations to support the accurate maintenance of closed-store information, including required updates within PeopleSoft and Intrepid.Identify and support process improvement and automation initiatives to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of accounting and reporting processes.Identify opportunities to leverage AI and other technology-enabled tools to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of accounting processes, analysis, and reporting.Participate in the testing, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of PeopleSoft, Intrepid, and other systems and applications utilized by the General Accounting team.Support adherence to internal controls, accounting policies, and documentation requirements through accurate and timely accounting practices.Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to research and resolve accounting discrepancies and identify opportunities to prevent recurring issues.Additional responsibilities as required.What You'll Need to SucceedBachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.2–3 years of general ledger accounting or public accounting experience.Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, variance analysis, internal controls, and accounting policies within a financial reporting environment.Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and related functions; experience with ERP systems preferred, with PeopleSoft experience a plus.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a high degree of attention to detail, sound professional judgment, and a commitment to financial accuracy and integrity.Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate accounting issues, explain variances, and collaborate effectively across teams and functions.Ability to independently prioritize and manage multiple deliverables in a deadline-driven, fast-paced close environment.Demonstrated curiosity and willingness to learn and leverage AI tools to enhance productivity, problem-solving, and efficiency in day-to-day work.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 EmployeesWe 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 $60,000 - 63,000 per year. 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. This position is bonus-eligible, with bonus amounts determined at the company’s discretion based on individual qualifications and applicable program terms.Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & InclusionAt Barnes & Noble Education, we empower everyone. Our mission is to support students, faculty, and schools, serving as a catalyst to meet the evolving needs of the education system and a new generation of students. That starts with fostering an environment for our employees where diversity and individuality is celebrated.Barnes & Noble Education is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.Barnes & Noble Education provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete an application or participate in the interview process, please contact [e-mail].