The Director of Accounting Operations is responsible for providing strategic leadership over the Company’s Corporate Inventory Accounting and Control, Accounts Payable, and Payroll functions.  This is a high-visibility role, working cross-functionally with other departments in a team-based and collaborative environment.  This leader will ensure consistent and accurate accounting and reporting, lead the successful implementation and upgrade of systems, and serve as a control owner and process owner within a SOX control environment.  This position requires a roll-up-your-sleeves leader who enjoys a broad scope of responsibility and excels at toggling between the big picture and the details that matter, equally at ease with the strategic and the tactical.

 

This leader must be passionate about change, driving continuous improvement, developing and implementing insightful business metrics, and resolving operational and accounting issues with a customer service lens.  They will lead by example with a curiosity mindset, continuously growing themselves and their teams.  They will thrive in the areas of leadership and communication; mentor and bring a demonstrated track record of getting the best out of high performing teams; create a culture of inclusivity and act as a bridge-builder; embrace change, demonstrate resilience and adaptability; and achieve results while driving accountability.

 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Responsible for accurate, timely accounting and reporting for all matters relating to Inventory, Accounts Payable and Payroll in accordance with US GAAP. This includes overseeing daily and month-end accounting functions. Maintain a strong control environment, serving as a SOX control owner and process owner.  Responsible for monitoring and maintaining the effective design and operation of internal controls over Inventory, AP and Payroll. Evaluate and enhance policies and procedures in the areas of Inventory, AP and Payroll, including annual policy updates.  Establish best practice and metrics/KPIs aligned with Company goals and objectives. Serve as a thought partner for strategic initiatives and change.  Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Work cross functionally to implement systems enhancements and process improvements.  Serve as a champion for continuous improvement for the team, effectively exerting cross-functional influence.  Solve problems related to data integrity and financial operations. Oversee inventory accounting and control, including the accounting and analysis for key inventory related calculations, estimates and reserves (lower of cost or NRV, shrink, damages, mark out-of-stock, capitalized inventory costs, etc). Partner with Loss Prevention to deliver integrity in all company physical inventories, including stores and distribution centers. Ensure the accurate and timely processing of payroll.  Resolve payroll and payroll tax related issues.  Manage payroll related outsourced vendor relationships.  Ensure timely and accurate payments through leadership of the Accounts Payable team, including cashflow management in collaboration with Treasury, and maintaining product partner relationships. Coordinate and prepare various audit and financial statement schedules as it relates to all Inventory, Payroll and AP matters.  Interface with outside auditors for financial statement and bank audits. Support budgeting and forecasting as required. Provide mentorship and leadership to ensure teamwork and high performance of team. Support other department initiatives as required.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field 10+ years accounting experience, with at least five years of supervisory experience Experience in inventory accounting and accounts payable in a public, multi-location/retail company preferred Strong foundational understanding of US GAAP, and accounting and internal control concepts CPA preferred; public accounting experience a plus Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Excel Experience with JDA and SAP preferred Experience with outsourced payroll providers a plus Proven leader with strong team-building and cross-functional skills who thrives in a dynamic work environment