Sr Director Assistant Corporate Controller

Leslie's•Phoenix, AZ

25d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director & Assistant Corporate Controller is accountable for developing and maintaining an efficient and effective Corporate Accounting function, including accounting policies, processes, systems, and tools that strengthen financial reporting accuracy and efficiency. The role also oversees staff development and succession planning. Its scope includes monthly and quarterly consolidation and month-end close, management reporting, balance sheet reconciliations, and management of SOX 404 controls. This position requires leadership, collaboration, influencing skills, and executive presence in written and verbal communication. It is responsible for maintaining and continually improving SOX 404 controls in close collaboration with management and internal and external auditors. The role also calls for a change-oriented mindset to identify, recommend, and implement tools and processes in response to company growth and increased use of technology. The position is based at Leslie’s corporate office in Phoenix, Arizona, follows a hybrid work schedule, and reports directly to the VP, Corporate Comptroller. Remote work and relocation assistance are not available. Candidates must reside within commuting distance and be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer-sponsored visa support.

Requirements

At least 10 years of progressive experience in public accounting and public-company corporate accounting teams, including at least five years in a managerial role.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and internal controls.
Experience with SEC financial statement preparation, consolidations, month-end close, general ledger, journal entries, account reconciliations, budgeting and forecasting, and variance analysis.
Ability to lead and motivate a team in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while emphasizing accuracy and timeliness.
Effective verbal and written communication, active listening, problem-solving, and presentation skills.
Strong knowledge of accounting principles and initiative to stay current on accounting and other regulatory changes.
Excellent documentation, research, resolution, and analytical skills.
Organized and extremely detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects and workstreams.
Process-oriented, with strong knowledge of applicable general ledger systems.
Ability to work independently with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.
Ability to maintain composure under pressure while meeting multiple deadlines.
Ability to influence across all levels and experience working in a rapidly changing environment.
Accountability for achieving results, initiative to act without direct supervision or beyond formal job responsibilities, and the ability to set high expectations for self and others.
Advanced Excel competency and proficiency with other Microsoft Office products, such as OneNote, Word, and PowerPoint.
Must reside within commuting distance of the Phoenix corporate office.
Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer-sponsored visa support.

Nice To Haves

Active CPA certification.
Experience in multi-location accounting and/or the retail industry.
Software and/or system implementation experience.

Responsibilities

Build and develop a talented, highly motivated team, establishing and managing goals aligned with departmental and company objectives.
Evaluate, refine, and monitor accounting and operational policies and procedures to improve accuracy and timeliness, reduce risk, and strengthen compliance.
Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting deliverables and deadlines.
Facilitate month-end close by ensuring close responsibilities are completed accurately and on time, while developing strategies to reduce the close timeline.
Review month-end entries, account reconciliations, and account analyses, including cash, accruals, prepaids, fixed assets, leases, loyalty, self-insurance programs, payroll, and SG&A expenses, with appropriate internal-control documentation and support.
Manage fixed asset/SaaS, lease accounting, and loyalty program processes, including developing and implementing policies and procedures for accurate financial reporting.
Assist with adopting technical accounting policies and procedures in collaboration with Financial Reporting, and ensure consistent application of technical accounting and reporting policies.
Ensure effective information flow between financial reporting and corporate accounting teams and other internal and external partners.
Continuously evaluate internal controls as systems and processes change, and work with department leadership to identify and implement necessary changes.
Manage external auditors and provide internal and external auditors with requested documentation in a timely manner.
Ensure ownership and effectiveness of key controls related to assigned accounts and processes.
Assist in identifying and implementing short- and long-term automation opportunities to streamline and strengthen controls and processes.
Complete other projects as requested.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision plan options.
Health savings account with enrollment in the high deductible health plan option.
Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance.
Voluntary supplemental life insurance.
Company-paid short-term disability and voluntary long-term disability insurance.
Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) with company match.
Paid vacation, sick, and bereavement leave.
Paid holidays, including a floating personal day.
Employee assistance and wellness programs.
Earned Wage access, allowing early access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
Product discounts at Leslie’s retail stores.