Senior Staff Accountant (Lease)

POSITION PURPOSE:

This position provides support to key Accounting personnel and performs general accounting activities. This position will help ensure the success of the Accounting Department. The Senior Staff Accountant is an important member of the accounting group and is responsible for a wide range of tasks. The senior staff accountant ensures accounting functions such as lease accounting in accordance with ASC 842, prepaids, accruals and intangible assets are properly accounted for and on a timely basis. The senior staff accountant performs closing procedures by creating and reviewing journal entries for these areas and conducts analysis and balance sheet account reconciliation for several general ledger accounts. The position also helps ensure compliance with company policies, GAAP and SOX compliance and assists in the preparation of detailed schedules for quarterly and annual audits.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage leases from a financial team perspective, to ensure rent, percentage rent and occupancy costs are properly accounted for in the lease documents.
• Analyze new leases, lease modifications and classification of leases as operating leases or finance leases.
• Manage period end reconciliations schedules for rent, percentage rent, intangible assets, prepaids, accruals and other miscellaneous schedules.
• Manage and prepare prepaid amortization, intangible assets, capitalized interest cost, accretion expense and other journal entries.
• Develop and implement process improvements to maximize efficiency.
• Prepare and/or review documentation for external audits and SOX compliance
• Ensures SOX compliance by collaborating with accounting teammates in ensuring monthly completion of all controls.
• Collaborates on special projects as necessary.
• Interacts professionally and ethically, constructively participating as a collaborative team member or leader in pursuit of common goals.
• Work cross functionally to record transactions and leases.
• Work flexible or extended hours to support completion of the fiscal period close, quarterly reviews and year end audit.

QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.  The requirements listed below are representative of the education and/or experience required. 

Education/Work Experience:

BS in Accounting or Finance required. Minimum of four years accounting experience required, preferably in multi-unit restaurant/hospitality industry.  Very good working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures (GAAP) required.

License/Certifications:  CPA preferred, but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work at the Support Center consistent with the hybrid work policy.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment on matters of significance to the company.

• Ability to effectively speak with internal and external customers, vendors, and franchisees. 
• Ability to effectively interact, listen and respond to customer needs.
• Ability to effectively make oral presentations to broad audiences.              

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Professional (Excel, Word, and Outlook) and proficiency with the internet required.  Experience with Lawson is preferred.

• Ability to quickly adapt to change and adjust priorities to meet the organization’s needs.
• Must be decisive and make fact-based decisions.
• Attention to detail, data integrity and accuracy required.
• Must possess professional interpersonal skills, maintain a positive attitude, be flexible and self-directed, and work well with team members.