Staff Accountant

At Northern Tool + Equipment we get up every day to serve the tradespeople who keep our country running strong and the weekend warriors who want to work like them. It’s our mission to make sure they have the right tools for the job, and an easy, hassle-free experience at our store so they can get in, get out and get on with the job at hand. Your top priority as a Staff Accountant is to maintain accurate accounting records for routine transactions and assist in the preparation of timely and reliable financial and operating reports. This includes preparing trial balances, journal entries, adjustments, closing entries, and substantive account reconciliations. The role also supports analysis and interpretation of accounting data for management decision‑making. Your positive, professional, roll-up-your-sleeves-to-help attitude contributes to our winning culture and makes sure we leave a lasting impression.

Key Responsibilities:

General Ledger & Journal Entries

1. Maintain general ledger accounts within assigned areas of responsibility. Prepare monthly journal entries in accordance with the established close calendar. Primary areas of focus include, but are not limited to, advertising, prepaid expenses, corporate Pcard accounting, and monthly accounts payable balances and accruals.

Account Reconciliations

1. Perform timely and accurate balance sheet account reconciliations using various reconciliation tools and systems, including TrinTech Cadency, Microsoft Dynamics D365, JD Edwards, and Microsoft Excel. Reconcile balances to subledger activity and/or appropriate supporting documentation. Utilize strong Excel skills, formatting standards, and automation techniques to efficiently reconcile high‑volume transactional data. Investigate and resolve reconciling items, perform root‑cause analysis of discrepancies, and execute corrective actions. Proactively communicate reconciliation issues or concerns to reviewers and management.

Cross‑Functional Business Partnership

1. Partner professionally with global, cross‑functional teams to interpret, process, analyze, reconcile, and report on accounting and financial areas of ownership.

Team Support & Backup Coverage

1. Act as a backup and support the global accounting team by assisting with staff accountant responsibilities, including fixed assets and capital projects, payroll and benefit accruals, corporate cash accounting, and daily banking activities, as needed.

Financial Data Accuracy & Review

1. Review account activity and postings throughout the month‑end close process to ensure accuracy, completeness, and reasonableness of balance sheet and income statement accounts. Stay prepared throughout the month to streamline tight close calendar deadlines.

Close Process Execution

1. Complete assigned monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities within established deadlines. Leverage the TrinTech Close module to track and maintain compliance with close requirements.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

1. Prepare monthly profit and loss variance analyses comparing actual results to budget. Complete substantive general ledger reconciliations, roll‑forward schedules, and other supporting analyses in formats designated by Finance management.

Process Improvement & Automation

1. Identify, recommend, and implement improvements to accounting procedures, processes, and reporting that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and control. Promote automation and reduce manual data entry where possible.

Accounting Policy & Methodology Support

1. Annually review relevant accounting memos and assess the impact of accounting methodology changes. Discuss proposed changes and recommendations with management.

Audit Support

1. Support external audits by preparing assigned workpapers and responding to auditor inquiries related to accounting policies, procedures, and reconciliations.

What you will bring to the table:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required.
• 0–3 years of progressive accounting experience; retail industry experience a plus.

Technical & Professional Knowledge

• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), substantive balance sheet account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.
• Understanding of profit and loss statements, including standard layout, structure, and data flow.
• Experience with ERP systems preferred, including Microsoft Dynamics 365 and/or JD Edwards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including use of formulas, formatting, and data analysis tools within a financial environment.
• Exposure to additional financial systems and tools preferred, such as Power BI reporting, SAGE FAS, point‑of‑sale systems, and reconciliation software.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, recurring deadlines, and month‑end close activities in a fast‑paced environment.
• High level of ownership and accountability with a proven ability to follow through on assignments independently while knowing when to escalate issues.
• Collaborative, team‑oriented mindset with the ability to build effective working relationships across global and cross‑functional teams.
• Clear and professional communicator who can explain accounting concepts and issues to both finance and non‑finance stakeholders.
• Adaptable and receptive to change, with a willingness to learn new systems, processes, and accounting standards.
• Proactive problem solver who approaches challenges with curiosity, sound judgment, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Demonstrate integrity, discretion, and professionalism when working with confidential financial information.
• Demonstrates Northern Tool + Equipment’s 12 Core Competencies.

About Us

Northern Tool + Equipment is a family business with roots stretching back three generations to Minnesota’s Iron Range, where our blue-collar work ethic and commitment to serving the people who do the tough jobs was born. Our mission is to be the best in the world at serving the professional tradespeople and those who want to work like them. With over 130 retail stores across 24 states, top national brands and global manufacturing operations designed to create our own specialized tools and equipment, we are busting our knuckles to deliver the products, prices and advice our customers need to succeed. We’re looking for people who share our blue-collar work ethic. If you’re the kind of person who likes to put your nose to the grindstone to help your customers and company succeed, we’d love to talk to you about becoming a member of our team.

Northern Tool + Equipment is proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Top Midsize Employer in 2023. We are committed to creating a workplace where your contributions are valued, and your professional growth is encouraged. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive and competitive compensation package that includes: 

• Competitive Pay: Earn $53,000 to $75,000 annually, with your exact compensation personalized based on your skills, experience, and location. We believe in rewarding top talent with pay that reflects your value. 
• Flexible Work Schedule: Achieve the work-life balance you deserve with our full-time, 8-hour shifts, Monday – Friday, complemented by a hybrid work schedule that allows you to work both remotely and in the office. 
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Your health and well-being are our priority. We offer a variety of health plans, so you can choose what best fits your needs. Employees working 30+ hours per week enjoy a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan with an enhanced company match to support your financial future. 
• Generous Employee Discount: Love our products? So do we! Enjoy a significant discount on the quality tools and equipment we offer, helping you save on the items you love to use. 
• Get Paid on Your Terms: With our Daily Pay option, you don’t have to wait for payday—access your earnings whenever you need them for added financial flexibility. 
• Paid Holidays: Take time to relax and recharge with 7 paid federal holidays, because we know how important it is to have time for yourself and your loved ones. 
• Incentives: Be rewarded for eligible incentive programs.

When you join Northern Tool + Equipment, you're not just starting a job—you're joining a community that supports your success. Come be a part of a team where your skills, dedication, and passion are recognized and celebrated. Your future starts here!