Staff Accountant

JOB PURPOSE:

The Staff Accountant supports the financial operations by maintaining accurate accounting records, bi-weekly processing payroll, and ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. This role is responsible for day-to-day accounting functions, supporting month-end close, and helping ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial reporting across restaurant, catering, and food halls. The Staff Accountant works closely with the Controller and operational leadership to support efficient, compliant, and well-organized financial processes.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Accounting

• Maintain general ledger accounts and ensure transactions are recorded accurately and timely across multiple entities.
• Prepare and post journal entries, including accruals, payroll entries, and intercompany transactions.
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts, including bank accounts, credit cards, and other key accounts.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies in financial records.
• Maintain organized and accurate financial documentation and records.

Payroll Administration

• Process bi-weekly payroll processing to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable wage and hour laws.
• Review payroll reports for accuracy, including wages, tips, commissions, deductions, and benefit contributions.
• Reconcile payroll-related accounts and prepare related journal entries.
• Assist with payroll audits and year-end reporting, including W-2 preparation and reconciliation.
• Coordinate with Human Resources to ensure proper payroll setup and maintenance of employee records.

Multi-Entity Accounting & Intercompany Support

• Maintain accurate financial records across multiple legal entities, ensuring transactions are recorded under the appropriate company and EIN.
• Assist with allocating payroll and shared expenses between entities, including preparation of intercompany journal entries.
• Reconcile intercompany accounts and ensure balances are accurate and properly supported.
• Perform bank and balance sheet reconciliations for multiple entities.
• Assist with maintaining separate general ledgers and financial records for each entity.
• Support consolidated financial reporting and ensure consistency across all entities.

Accounts Payable & Receivable Support

• Assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable functions as needed, including invoice review, coding, and reconciliation.
• Help ensure timely and accurate processing of vendor payments and deposits.
• Maintain vendor records and assist with vendor inquiries.

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Assist in preparing internal financial reports and supporting schedules.
• Help ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external audit processes by preparing requested documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality of financial and payroll information at all times.

Operational Support

• Assist the Controller with special projects, process improvements, and financial analysis as assigned.
• Support multi-location restaurant and catering operations with financial information and inquiries.
• Help maintain consistent accounting practices across all company entities.

All Other Duties as Assigned 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

• Strong understanding of accounting principles and general ledger processes.
• Working knowledge of payroll processes and wage and hour compliance.
• Highly organized and self-directed.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy and time management.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Demonstrated strong performance in analytical, innovative, and critical thinking, strategy and collaboration. 
• Able to build relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, presentation and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, changing environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of accounting experience required.
• Experience with payroll processing strongly preferred.
• Hospitality, restaurant, catering, or multi-entity accounting experience preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Primarily office-based position with prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Frequent use of standard office equipment, including computer, keyboard, mouse, telephone, and printer.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and vendors in person, by phone, and email.
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift or move files, office supplies, or equipment <15 pounds.
• Ability to review detailed financial information on a computer screen for extended periods.
• May require occasional travel between locations or restaurant units to support operational needs.
• May require occasional extended hours during peak periods, including payroll processing, month-end close, year-end, and audit      support.