Senior Staff AccountantReports To: Vice President, Finance
Position SummaryThe Senior Staff Accountant is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of the Company's financial records and reporting. This role oversees key accounting functions across both the balance sheet and income statement, including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, payroll, accounts payable, inventory, deferred revenue, royalties, and related reconciliations.
The Senior Staff Accountant plays a critical role in supporting the monthly close process, financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting activities, audits, tax compliance, and process improvement initiatives. This position partners closely with departments across the organization, including Editorial, Sales, Marketing, Operations, Manufacturing, and Human Resources, to provide timely and accurate financial information that supports business decision-making.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, collaborative, and capable of managing complex accounting responsibilities while maintaining strong internal controls and financial integrity.
Key ResponsibilitiesGeneral Accounting & Financial Reporting- Prepare, review, and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
- Support the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
- Prepare and post journal entries related to revenue, expenses, payroll, accruals, prepaid expenses, inventory, deferred revenue, royalties, and other balance sheet and income statement accounts.
- Maintain supporting schedules and documentation for all assigned accounting areas.
- Ensure compliance with company accounting policies, internal controls, and financial reporting standards.
Revenue, Cost of Sales & Product Accounting- Maintain responsibility for sales, cost of sales, and related journal entries and reconciliations.
- Manage product-level profit and loss reporting and analyze actual results versus budget and forecast.
- Partner with Sales, Editorial, and Operations teams to ensure accurate revenue recognition and reporting.
- Serve as the primary finance liaison to manufacturing and production teams, ensuring accurate tracking of production-related costs and inventory activity.
Asset, Liability & Expense Management- Manage and reconcile accounts receivable, inventory, capital investments, prepaid expenses, accrued expenses, deferred revenue, royalties, payroll-related accounts, and other balance sheet accounts.
- Ensure the accuracy of expense and liability accounts through reconciliations, reporting, and variance analysis.
- Coordinate royalty reporting in partnership with Editorial and the Vice President, Finance.
- Prepare quarterly reconciliations of all assigned balance sheet accounts.
Payroll & Accounts Payable Administration- Process payroll through ADP Workforce Now, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations.
- Maintain payroll records for new hires, terminations, compensation changes, and benefit deductions.
- Coordinate payroll funding transfers, benefit deductions, COBRA administration, and annual enrollment audits.
- Oversee accounts payable activities, ensuring vendor invoices are accurately coded, approved, and processed in accordance with company policies.
- Coordinate vendor communications and annual 1099 reporting.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis- Support annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.
- Perform variance analysis and provide explanations for significant fluctuations in revenue, expenses, and balance sheet accounts.
- Develop and distribute departmental and management financial reports.
- Provide financial insights and recommendations to support operational and strategic decision-making.
Compliance, Audits & Internal Controls- Assist with internal and external audits by preparing schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
- Support sales tax filings, K-1 reporting, and other regulatory reporting requirements.
- Maintain and strengthen internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure financial compliance.
- Respond to financial surveys, auditor inquiries, and information requests.
Systems, Process Improvement & Cross-Functional Support- Support accounting system implementations, upgrades, testing, training, and process improvement initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes and improve efficiency through automation and technology.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to improve financial workflows and reporting accuracy.
- Assist in documenting accounting policies and procedures.
Skills & CompetenciesTechnical Skills- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookups, financial analysis, and reporting tools.
- Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
- Experience with ERP or accounting systems such as NetSuite, Oracle, SAP, or similar platforms.
- Experience preparing journal entries, reconciliations, financial statements, and supporting month-end close processes.
- Familiarity with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning tools.
Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills- Strong analytical and variance analysis capabilities.
- Ability to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for improvement.
- Skilled at interpreting financial data and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Communication & Collaboration Skills- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to explain financial concepts clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive financial information.
Leadership & Project Skills- Ability to lead accounting projects and process improvement initiatives.
- Experience supporting system implementations and organizational change.
- Ability to mentor and train junior accounting staff when needed.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
- Minimum of 5-8 years of progressive accounting experience.
- Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and accounting controls.
- Experience with payroll administration, account reconciliations, financial reporting, and month-end close.
- Experience supporting audits and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Publishing, media, education, or related industry experience preferred.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
- Experience with ERP systems such as NetSuite, Oracle, SAP, or similar platforms preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across the organization.
