Senior Accountant (Flexible)

Company Description

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60+ retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

Job Description

In a time of unprecedented expansion, we are seeking a Senior Accountant to join our team. In this role, you will maintain Lakeshore’s general ledger, perform account reconciliations and prepare financial reports. The position also requires assisting with audit preparations and performing other accounting duties as assigned. Applicants should possess a solid working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and strong financial-analysis skills. The idea candidate can thrive in an ever-changing, growing business where accounting procedures are evolving to support the needs of the business. 

A day on the job looks like this: 

• Reviewing new and modified lease agreements, ensuring monthly journal entries are recorded in compliance with ASC 842 operating leases, managing inputs to lease accounting software and processing all company rent payments 
• Ensuring the accuracy of journal entries and reconciling general ledger accounts 
• Preparing financial reports related to catalogs, employee benefits and leases 
• Analyzing and developing estimates of monthly expenses, including comparison to budget, prior year and monthly trends  
• Providing support for annual audits and management requests  
• Interacting with various departments and operating lease landlords to accurately record expenses, research and investigate variances, and respond to inquiries 
• Contributing to the improvement and development of new accounting processes and accounting systems such as SAP and FloQast 
• Guiding and reviewing the work of staff accountants 

Qualifications

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or Economics 
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred 
• 5+ years of experience as an accountant including public accounting 
• Strong accounting background including experience performing journal and general ledger entries, reconciliations, etc. 
• Sound understanding of financial accounting concepts and principals including the ability to understand the flow of financial information from transaction to reports 
• High level of problem-solving skills necessary to maintain effective, efficient, accurate and compliant operations 
• Superb communication and interpersonal skills with ability to promote trust and collaboration to build strong relationships  
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel   
• Self-motivated and organized with a demonstrated ability to proactively manage and prioritize multiple competing projects simultaneously 

Additional Information

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Salary: $75,000-$105,000 with an annual bonus of up to 10%
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• On-site preschool for our employees’ children
• On-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needs
• Generous employee discount
• Casual dress…and we really mean it

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.

We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learn