Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

Department: Accounting/Finance

Reports To: Controller

Position Summary

The Staff Accountant is responsible for supporting the accounting and financial reporting functions of a growing HVAC wholesale distribution company. This position assists with month-end close, account reconciliations, inventory accounting, accounts payable and receivable support, fixed assets, and financial analysis. The ideal candidate will have strong accounting skills, attention to detail, and experience in a distribution, manufacturing, or wholesale environment.

Key Responsibilities

General Accounting

• Prepare and post journal entries accurately and timely.
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close processes.
• Maintain general ledger accounts and supporting schedules.
• Perform balance sheet account reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
• Support the preparation of internal financial statements and management reports.

Inventory & Cost Accounting

• Monitor inventory transactions and ensure accurate inventory valuation.
• Reconcile inventory balances between the ERP system and the general ledger.
• Analyze inventory variances, adjustments, and obsolescence reserves.
• Assist with cycle counts and physical inventory audits.
• Support cost analysis and inventory-related reporting.

Accounts Payable & Receivable Support

• Assist in reviewing vendor invoices, payment processing, and account reconciliations.
• Support customer account reconciliations and collections activities as needed.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies related to vendor and customer accounts.

Vendor Rebates & Pricing Programs

• Track manufacturer rebates, incentives, and cooperative marketing programs.
• Reconciliation of rebates receivables and ensure proper revenue recognition.
• Assist in analyzing supplier pricing agreements and rebate profitability.

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare supporting schedules for audits and tax filings.
• Assist with annual financial audits and internal control reviews.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Support sales tax and other regulatory reporting requirements.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and reporting efficiency.
• Assist with ERP system enhancements and accounting-related projects.
• Develop and maintain documentation of accounting procedures.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA designation or CPA candidate preferred.

Experience

• 2-5 years of accounting experience required.
• Experience in wholesale distribution, HVAC, construction supply, manufacturing, or inventory-intensive industries preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of GAAP and accounting principles.
• Knowledge of inventory accounting and distribution operations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables and VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP functions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based work with occasional visits to warehouse facilities.
• Ability to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods.

Here at Johnstone, we understand that finding the right career is one of the most important decisions you will make in your adult life.

It’s our belief that work should be challenging and rewarding.

Employees should always be valued for their dedication and excellence.