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 records of routine accounting transactions and assist in the preparation of accurate and timely financial and operating reports including trial balances, adjustments, closing entries and substantive account reconciliations.  Also, assists in analysis and interpretation of accounting records for use by management. 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:

1. Maintains general ledger for assigned accounts and prepares and enters monthly journal entries within the timelines established in the monthly close calendar. Completes tasks as assigned in Close module of TrinTech Cadency. Primary areas of focus include but are not limited to operating expense, fixed assets and related depreciation, payroll and benefits.
2. Records newly acquired fixed assets, tracking existing fixed assets, depreciation calculations and accounting for any fixed asset disposals.
3. Maintains the Project Accounting module in Microsoft Dynamics 365.  Assists Capital Expenditure Authorization (CEA) submitters and approvers with use of Project Accounting module. Troubleshoots issues and answers questions related to the module. Maintains Project Accounting Business Process Documents and Job Aids. Maintains Project Accounting reporting for CEA Committee and project requestors. Maintains the CEA policy and procedures.
4. Owns monthly processes around operating expenses, specifically focusing on utilities for 135+ Retail locations, distribution centers and corporate headquarters.
5. Records payroll & benefit entries from our payroll and benefit providers.  Calculating and recording monthly accruals.  Partners with business partners for understanding, communication and timely support for reconciliation.
6. Completes monthly reconciliations on assigned accounts utilizing TrinTech Cadency.  Completes the reconciliations within the established monthly deadlines.
7. Acts as a backup and assists global team including on requests for financial accounting but not limited to credit card reconciliations & corporate cash, revenue recognition, balance sheet reconciliations, process documentation, financial reporting, cross functional projects, etc.
8. Reviews entries and account activity prior to the close of month end to ensure the accuracy of financial data and reasonableness of balance sheet accounts.
9. Prepares monthly analysis of profit & loss variances to budget and completes substantive general ledger reconciliations in the format designated by Finance management each month.  Performs flux analysis on assigned accounts.
10. Identifies and promotes changes in procedures and reporting that increase efficiency and reduce data keying and manual intervention.
11. Implements accounting methodology changes when necessary, as defined by supervisor and escalates areas for improvement if identified.
12. Complies with outside auditors including preparation of work papers as assigned and answers auditor’s questions regarding policy and procedures and account reconciliations.

What you will bring to the table:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.
• 3+ years of accounting experience; Retail experience preferred.
• Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within Accounting/Finance, specifically Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, substantive account reconciliations, and financial statements.
• Understands basic profit and loss reporting layout and flow.
• Preferred experience in JD Edwards and/or Microsoft Dynamics 365.
• Proficient in financial software including Microsoft Excel and Access.
• Exposure to other financial systems including BI Reporting Tools, SAGE FAS, Point of Sale systems and reconciliation tools, TrinTech Cadency, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise strong judgment and able to work well independently.
• Detail oriented and analytical.
• Able to prioritize and multi-task effectively.
• Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of Company personnel and those outside the Company.
• 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 $59,600 to $85,950 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!