Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant

Location: River Grove, IL (On-Site)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $75,000 based on qualifying experience

About The Bazaar

The Bazaar is a third-generation family-owned wholesale distribution company with more than 65 years of experience buying and selling closeout and excess inventory. We work with leading manufacturers and distribute branded consumer products to more than 1,200 independent retailers, distributors, and exporters around the world.

Our business moves quickly, and so do we. We're looking for an accounting professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes ownership of financial processes, and enjoys contributing to the overall success of the organization.

Position Overview

The Staff Accountant plays a key role in maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the company's financial records while supporting daily treasury, payroll, inventory, and month-end close activities. This position works closely with the Controller and accounting team to ensure accurate financial reporting, timely reconciliations, and strong internal controls.

The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, analytical, organized, and comfortable managing multiple priorities while meeting critical deadlines.

Responsibilities

General Ledger & Journal Entries

• Prepare and post manual journal entries including payroll, bank fees, accruals, reclasses, inventory adjustments, and other accounting transactions.
• Maintain and review recurring journal entries to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Analyze account activity and investigate discrepancies.
• Support period-end financial reporting activities and account analysis.

Month-End Close

• Assist with the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
• Prepare month-end close schedules and supporting documentation.
• Complete balance sheet account reconciliations and investigate variances.
• Ensure deadlines for financial reporting are met.
• Prepare supporting workpapers for management review and external audits.

Bank Reconciliations

• Perform timely and accurate bank reconciliations for all operating and treasury accounts.
• Research and resolve outstanding reconciling items.
• Coordinate with banking partners regarding transaction inquiries and account maintenance.

Payroll & Benefits Accounting

• Process payroll accurately and timely in accordance with company policies.
• Reconcile payroll reports and ensure payroll transactions are correctly recorded in the general ledger.
• Prepare payroll-related journal entries and accruals.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies as needed.
• Support payroll tax and benefit reconciliation activities.

Inventory Accounting

• Review and record inventory adjustments and write-offs.
• Analyze inventory transactions and investigate variances.
• Reconcile inventory subledger activity to the general ledger.
• Partner with operations and warehouse teams to maintain inventory accuracy.
• Assist with inventory counts and audit support as required.

Fixed Assets

• Maintain the fixed asset ledger and supporting schedules.
• Record asset additions, transfers, disposals, and retirements.
• Calculate and post monthly depreciation entries.
• Ensure compliance with company capitalization policies.

Account Reconciliations

• Reconcile Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Inventory, and other subledgers to the General Ledger on a regular basis.
• Investigate and resolve out-of-balance conditions.
• Work with cross-functional teams to correct discrepancies and improve processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 3 years of accounting experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of General Ledger accounting and month-end close processes.
• Experience with payroll accounting, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with ERP systems (Acumatica experience preferred).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who:

• Takes ownership and accountability for results.
• Has a strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Enjoys identifying and solving problems.
• Works well independently and as part of a team.
• Can manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Is proactive in improving processes and controls.
• Maintains confidentiality and professionalism.
• Possesses a strong sense of urgency and follow-through.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Full-time, on-site position
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off
• 401(k)
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• Career advancement within a stable, family-owned company

Salary Range Recommendation for The Bazaar: $65,000 - $75,000 depending on experience, with the upper end appropriate if payroll, treasury, inventory accounting, and month-end close ownership are expected responsibilities.