Lead Accountant- Banking

Albertsons Companies • PHOENIX, AZ

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Albertsons Companies is hiring a Lead Accountant for its Accounting team in the Electronic Banking Department. The position is located at the National Services Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The role supports banking operations across corporate, retail, electronic banking, gift cards, and unclaimed property, and helps ensure accurate and timely completion of banking work.

The Lead Accountant analyzes processes and identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and automation. The role coordinates accounting-system projects with internal stakeholders, defines and tracks project requirements, communicates progress and risks to leadership, and partners with Accounting, Division Finance, IT, Reporting, and Financial Systems teams. It also supports banking applications, file transfers, reports, reconciliation systems, audits, and cash and transaction analysis.

The position provides advanced technical and accounting expertise, leads or supports cross-functional process-improvement initiatives and special projects, and mentors team members without direct supervisory responsibility. The successful candidate promotes continuous improvement, standardized processes, and knowledge sharing while supporting compliance with GAAP, company policies, SOX, and control requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of progressive accounting experience, with significant exposure to cash, card settlement, treasury, or banking operations.
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP and internal controls, with experience in cash accounting, bank reconciliations, and treasury-related processes.
• Ability to serve as a subject matter expert and lead complex accounting areas or processes.
• Experience partnering cross-functionally with Treasury, Audit, card processors, and banking partners.
• Ability to drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and efficiency gains in accounting operations.
• Strong analytical skills, including identifying discrepancies, researching variances, and resolving complex reconciling items.
• Experience supporting internal and external audits, including documentation for cash and banking-related accounts.
• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems, specifically Oracle, and strong Excel skills such as pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis.
• Experience using or supporting banking and reconciliation platforms such as ReconNet, CashPro, and card processor systems.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive ownership and problem-solving approach.
• Ability to document and standardize processes and support knowledge sharing across the team.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or equivalent certification.
• Advanced proficiency with data tools and query development, including OTBI queries and Alteryx.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development through platforms such as Pluralsight, Coursera, or similar applications.
• Experience with SOX compliance and control environments.

Responsibilities

• Support the daily workflow for the Banking team across corporate, retail, electronic banking, gift cards, and unclaimed property, including learning desk responsibilities.
• Analyze business processes and identify opportunities for automation, efficiency, and improved data accuracy using tools such as Alteryx, OTBI queries, and reconciliation tools.
• Coordinate with leadership to communicate new and upcoming project requests.
• Attend project meetings with internal stakeholders to ensure accounting-system maintenance supports business needs and complies with GAAP and company policies.
• Ensure project requirements are clearly defined, assigned, and tracked through completion, and provide regular progress updates to leadership.
• Partner with Accounting, Division Finance, IT, Reporting, and Financial Systems teams to align on project timelines and system impacts.
• Lead or support cross-functional workgroups focused on accounting process improvements, operational efficiency, and system optimization.
• Maintain banking team applications and file transfer processes, and assist team members and internal customers in resolving system issues.
• Review and validate standard and ad hoc reports created with QMF, MS Access, Excel, ODBC, SQL, OTBI, and Alteryx.
• Provide timely status updates, risk assessments, and key insights to department leadership.
• Lead preparation and review of supporting documentation for internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with SOX and control requirements.
• Support and optimize banking and reconciliation systems, including ReconNet, CashPro, and card processor platforms.
• Analyze cash balances, transactions, and variances to provide insights and improve financial accuracy.
• Guide and mentor team members on best practices, troubleshooting, and technical accounting matters without direct supervisory responsibility.
• Lead special projects, including system implementations, process transformations, and integration of new banking relationships or tools.
• Promote continuous improvement and knowledge sharing, including encouraging use of learning platforms such as Pluralsight and Coursera.

Benefits

• Competitive wages paid weekly.
• Access to up to 50% of earned wages before payday through a partnership with Stream.
• Associate discounts.
• Medical, dental, 401(k), and other health and financial well-being benefits for eligible associates.
• Vacation, holidays, and sick pay, subject to eligibility requirements.
• Leaders invested in training, career growth, and development.
• Inclusive work environment with talented colleagues who reflect the communities served.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior