Staff Accountant (Hybrid)

Staff Accountant

Role Overview

Ground Up Coffee & Tea has an exciting opportunity for a detail-oriented and motivated accounting professional to join a growing, entrepreneurial company in the specialty beverage industry. As a New York-based importer, developer, and distributor of coffee and tea solutions, GUCT continues to expand its product offerings, customer partnerships, and operational footprint. We are seeking a Staff Accountant to support day-to-day accounting operations and contribute to the accuracy and integrity of the company's financial records.

The Staff Accountant supports the company's accounting and financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger activity, month-end close, and account reconciliations. This role works closely with the Director of Finance & Human Resources to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting, and will also serve as a flexible, hands-on partner on projects across finance and other business operations beyond core accounting.

Key Responsibilities

Finance & Accounting Operations

• Perform day-to-day accounting activities, including accounts payable and accounts receivable processing.
• Prepare, review, and post month-end journal entries with appropriate supporting documentation.
• Complete balance sheet and income statement reconciliations; investigate and resolve variances in a timely manner.
• Manage accounts payable, including invoice review, coding, posting, vendor reconciliations, and issue resolution.
• Prepare accounts receivable reconciliations and support billing accuracy and collections follow-up as needed.
• Research and resolve customer deductions and chargebacks, partnering with Sales and Logistics to recover short pays and reduce recurring deduction activity.
• Prepare check runs and payment batches for review and approval, ensuring proper authorization and documentation.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and cash-related accounts.
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Maintain organized schedules and documentation for financial reporting and audits.
• Ensure transactions are recorded in accordance with company policies and U.S. GAAP.

Reporting, Controls & Audit Support

• Assist with the preparation of internal financial reports and schedules.
• Support the Director of Finance and Human Resources with audit requests by gathering documentation and schedules.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of accounting processes and documentation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales and Logistics to support accurate financial data and reporting.
• Communicate clearly on accounting matters, documentation, and timelines.
• Assist with cross-functional financial reporting in partnership with business teams.
• Contribute to a collaborative and accountable finance team environment.

Special Projects & Broader Support

• Serve as a flexible, hands-on resource to the Director of Finance and Human Resources across finance and other business operations initiatives that extend beyond core accounting duties.
• Support ad hoc projects as priorities arise, which may include process documentation, systems and reporting improvements, and cross-departmental initiatives.
• Take ownership of assigned projects from start to finish, proactively flagging risks and following through on open items.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 3-7 years of accounting experience, preferably in distribution or food & beverage.
• Solid understanding of general ledger accounting and month-end close.
• Experience with private label programs, including cost tracking and margin analysis, is highly preferred.
• Experience researching and resolving customer deductions and chargebacks preferred.
• Experience with NetSuite or a similar ERP system is required.
• Strong Excel skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

Great Place to Work

Enjoy...

• A fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment focused on innovation and quality.
• A culture of respect, learning, and accountability.
• The opportunity to work alongside experienced, highly skilled professionals.
• A collaborative environment where ideas are valued, and initiative is encouraged.
• Opportunities to grow, expand responsibility, and make a measurable impact.
• Competitive benefits and a balanced, flexible work environment.

Company: Ground Up Coffee & Tea, LLC (GUCT)

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)

Reports to: Director of Finance and Human Resources