Sr. Staff Accountant, Corporate Accounting

About the role

Barnes & Noble Education (“BNED”) is dedicated to making tomorrow a better, more inclusive, and smarter world by servicing all who work in education. As a leading solutions provider for the education industry, we are committed to driving affordability, accessibility, and achievement at hundreds of academic institutions nationwide.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and record complex journal entries and supporting documentation in accordance with U.S. GAAP and company policies.
• Own assigned accounting processes and general ledger accounts, ensuring transactions are recorded accurately, completely, and timely.
• Perform detailed account reconciliations, financial analyses, and variance investigations while identifying and resolving accounting issues.
• Lead assigned activities during the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Prepare and analyze supporting schedules and financial reporting deliverables for management, auditors, and other stakeholders.
• Research accounting issues and apply appropriate accounting guidance to ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and company policies.
• Evaluate accounting processes, identify opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and enhance the quality of financial reporting.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to resolve accounting matters, support business initiatives, and ensure the accuracy of financial information.
• Assist with internal and external audit requests by preparing supporting documentation and responding to inquiries.
• Participate in the implementation of new accounting standards, system enhancements, and other departmental initiatives.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource to other members of the accounting team by sharing expertise, providing guidance, and promoting best practices.
• Exercise sound professional judgment and independent decision-making while managing multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• 5+ years of progressive corporate accounting, general ledger, financial reporting, or public accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, and internal control principles.
• Experience performing complex account reconciliations, financial analysis, and month-end close activities.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; ERP experience required (PeopleSoft preferred).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to independently prioritize workload, manage multiple deadlines, and adapt to changing business needs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively partner across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to identify process improvements and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and sound judgment.

Qualifications

• Must be within a commutable distance from our Florham Park, NJ headquarters.
• The hiring range for this position is $70,000 - $75,000 annually.

Skills

• U.S. GAAP knowledge
• Financial reporting
• Internal control principles
• Accounting software proficiency (e.g., PeopleSoft)
• Microsoft Excel skills
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Attention to detail
• Communication skills
• Process improvement

Benefits

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.