Staff Accountant

Job Title: Staff Accountant 
Department: Accounting
Reports To: Associate Manager
Exemption Status: Exempt (Salaried)

About Westlake Ace Hardware
Ace Retail Holdings, the division of Ace Hardware Corporation that owns and operates the Westlake Ace Hardware chain, is one of the largest hardware retailers in the United States.  Headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, Westlake Ace Hardware has been in operation for over a century and operates over 150 neighborhood stores located throughout the United States.  Great people make Westlake stand out in our industry, and we are looking for individuals who strive for personal and professional growth, and who want to work with a company founded on (and still led by) our solid Core Values.

General Job Summary
The Staff Accountant position will provide direct support to the accounting teams in areas of financial reporting including period close processing, account reconciliations and monthly financial management reports.  This position will also assist the department in gaining efficiencies and improving processes.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Accounting
• Assist in the preparation of sales tax filings
• Assist with fixed asset tasks
• Assist in the close process, which is comprised of recording journal entries, reviewing accounts, prepare reconciliations, etc.
• Assist in the preparation and auditing of the monthly financial management reporting package
• Perform or monitor certain daily and monthly account reconciliations
• Compile and analyze financial information related to general ledger accounts and the financial statements
• Assist with the creation of new stores
• Answer financial statement questions and provide proactive explanations to new items and changes
• Play a role in driving continued process improvements, including working cross-functionally to create repeatable, consistent processes
• Assists Controller with various accounting and financial investigation research projects
• Backup and work with other accounting and/or financial staff as needed
• Assist with year-end audit related to financials, sales tax and inventory

Minimum Skills, Requirements and Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance  
• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills
• Proficiency with MS Excel including the ability to work with and organize large amounts of data using pivot tables, vlookups and other Excel tools
• Proficiency in MS Office: Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook  
• Experience with JDE/JDA financial software desired
• Experience with business intelligence software desired
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong mathematical aptitude
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple competing priorities to meet deadlines
• Ability to work as a team and be an effective team member
• Excellent customer service skills for both internal and external customers and contacts