Senior Inventory Accountant [T500-**]

MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY: Prepares and enters monthly journal entries within the timelines established in the monthly close calendar. Reviews entries, account activity and / or account balances within timelines established in the monthly close calendar. Corrects or investigates all unusual account activity or balances prior to final reporting of month end results. Owns accounting activities related to inventory. Maintains of the general ledger inventory accounts and ensures the distribution centers and store inventories are in sync with the general ledger. Researches the cause of discrepancies and ensures corrective action is taken to resolve system and repetitive issues. Provides reporting and analysis regarding inventory and freight to management to assist in understanding operational trends in these areas. This will include monthly variance analysis as well as special projects and requests required throughout the year. Compares actual results against budgets to ensure accuracy and completes variance analysis for assigned areas. Investigates unexplained variances proactively to identify and explain or correct root cause. Prepares substantive general ledger reconciliations in the format and timelines designated by Finance management each month. Investigates new, unexplained variances to understand and eliminate the problem(s) causing the unreconciled differences. Resolves old reconciling items within an acceptable time frame. Performs Standard Cost change roll up and system configuration regarding actuate costs. Reviews entries and reconciliations of inventory staff accountant(s). Resolves old reconciling items within an acceptable time frame. Promotes changes in procedures and reporting to increase efficiency by reducing manual processes. Assists in the resolution of questions from department managers concerning the results of monthly financial reports. Assists management in finding more accurate methods and information to calculate reserves and activity. Assists in the preparation of the annual budget by supplying accurate and timely budgeting schedules for assigned areas of responsibility. Reports accounting methodology changes to the Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis to ensure key assumptions are correct. Prepares work papers as requested by external auditors, bank auditors and / or compliance requests for assigned accounts. Answers auditor’s questions regarding policy and procedure and account reconciliations. Keeps supervisor informed of important developments, potential problems and related information necessary for effective management. Answers P&L questions from department heads within 24-hours. Keeps the supervisor informed of important developments, potential problems and related information necessary for effective management. Coordinates and communicates plans and activities with others, as appropriate to ensure a coordinated work effort and team approach. Performs related work as apparent or assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or working toward CPA, preferred. At least 3 years of related experience in accounting and / or auditing. Experience with financial statements and general ledger account reconciliation. Knowledge of accounting policies, programs, procedures and practices, financial reporting requirements, budgeting, and forecasting. Strong knowledge of general accounting principles and methods. Broad exposure to all fundamental financial and accounting disciplines including general accounting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), substantive account reconciliations, financial statements and financial software including Excel, Word, Powerpoint required. Experience with computerized Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is required. Microsoft Dynamics 365 experience is preferred. JDE / AS400 is a plus. Broad exposure to other financial software including Access, BI Reporting Tools, Point of Sale systems, Reconciliation Tools (i.e. TrinTech Cadency, Reconnect or Blackline) ERP and warehouse management systems preferred. Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of Company personnel and those outside the Company. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Demonstrates Northern Tool + Equipment’s 12 Core Competencies.