Senior Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting (Hybrid)

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 Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting to serve as a strategic business partner to the VP Corporate Controller and participate in strategic, financial and operational decisions at Lakeshore. The position will play a transformative role in evolving our policies and procedures in support of our strategic growth initiatives, and responsibilities include ensuring timely financial reporting, internal controls and management support for financial decision-making. The role also requires leading a team of staff and senior accountants in general ledger accounting. The ideal candidate possesses a strategic mindset, excellent people-management skills and an in-depth understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). And we’re here to help you succeed—Lakeshore recently earned its Great Place to Work® Certification™ and is proud to put its associates first. 

A day in the office looks like this: 

• Providing strong accounting and financial leadership to ensure the integrity of financial statements and adherence to company policies and procedures  
• Preparing timely and accurate GAAP financial statements and reports, driven by a tightly managed monthly close process 
• Leading an effective month-end close and providing analysis 
• Preparing and analyzing corporate consolidations 
• Managing and maintaining the internal control environment, including the safeguarding of assets and the development of effective segregation of duties; ensuring that transactions are recorded properly and minimizing opportunities for fraud or impropriety  
• Performing financial analysis of external partnerships and contracts 
• Managing all audits, including the annual financial audit and bank audits; serving as the main point of contact with all external auditors 
• Managing key external relationships including auditors, bankers and tax preparers  
• Preparing the monthly financial deck and providing commentary for executive decision-making  
• Overseeing the Enterprise Accounting System to provide accurate records of assets, liabilities and financial transactions 
• Assisting in the planning, development and implementation of our new enterprise resources planning system 
• Developing the long-term vision for ongoing financial systems evolution 
• Managing, mentoring and providing a development path for team members, including hiring, training, motivating and addressing performance issues 

Qualifications

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or related field 
• 10+ years of relevant accounting experience including supervisory responsibilities 
• Experience at a public accounting firm; manager level preferred 
• Experience with private equity fund accounting preferred  
• CPA required  
• Deep knowledge of GAAP 
• Demonstrated track record of maintaining effective internal controls  
• Excellent management and supervisory skills 
• Superb communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships  
• Superb analytical skills, accuracy and attention to detail   
• Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment  
• Ability to operate independently with minimal daily direction while also possessing a talent for team collaboration 
• Good judgment and resourcefulness with the ability to make timely and sound decisions  
• Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Office  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills  
• Availability to commute to our Carson, CA, headquarters as needed 

Additional Information

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Salary: $125,000 - $250,000 with an annual bonus of up to 20%
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO,