Lead II Accountant, AR & Vendor Rebate

Staples Inc.•Framingham, MA

About The Position

Staples is business to business. Our talented finance team partners with every area of the business to drive results and provide financial expertise. We are passionate about analyzing and interpreting information to assess performance and provide guidance. Our team serves as a true partner and advisor to all our business leaders; working with them to accelerate the company’s profitability and growth. As a Lead II Accountant, you will play a critical role in ensuring the accurate accounting and collection of approximately $2.0B in vendor programs. You will lead a high-performing team and partner cross-functionally with Merchandising, Category Merchants, and vendor partners to drive financial accuracy, process improvements, and operational excellence. You’ll take ownership of the vendor rebate month-end close process, ensuring compliance with SOX requirements and financial controls. This includes overseeing reconciliations, supporting external audits, and ensuring timely and accurate reporting of vendor receivables.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or equivalent work experience
6+ years of related accounting or financial experience
1+ years of Management experience
Experience with financial systems/ERP platforms
Strong understanding of accounting principles and internal controls
Proven leadership capability with experience motivating teams and driving performance
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess financial risk and forecast outcomes
Ability to interpret supplier contracts and translate them into accurate financial reporting
Excellent collaboration and communication skills to partner across internal teams and vendors
A proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and operational efficiency

Nice To Haves

Experience working with vendor rebate programs or accounts receivable
Prior experience supporting external audits and financial reviews
Experience partnering with merchandising or business teams in a corporate environment
SOX experience preferred

Responsibilities

Oversee accounting and collection of ~$2.0B in annual promotional vendor income
Lead and develop a team of 4 associates, including hiring, coaching, and performance management
Manage month-end close activities, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with SOX controls
Collaborate with vendors and internal partners to resolve discrepancies and improve processes
Facilitate monthly roadmap meetings with DMMs and Category Merchants to ensure vendor programs are properly captured and accounted for
Provide leadership with insights on forecasts, financial risks, and opportunities related to vendor receivables