Staff Accountant

Job Summary

The Staff Accountant will be responsible for assisting in the accounting of general functions as it relates to License Revenue Accounting, including but not limited to the preparation of journal entries related to accruals, and accounts receivables tasks. This individual will also provide strategic support and analysis as needed. 

The Staff Accountant is a self-motivated, adaptive, eager learner who can manage and prioritize an evolving workload in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have an analytical mindset, strong work ethic, heightened attention to detail and a desire for continuous process improvement. 

Key Responsibilities

1. Monthly Close

• Prepare period-end entries, account reconciliations, and account analyses as it relates to owned areas with appropriate SOX documentation and support when required.

• Prepare weekly and monthly sales reports for both domestic and international licensing sales.

• Compile licensing sales data and maintain licensing dashboard.

• Coordinate with licensing partners to resolve reporting issues as needed.

• Facilitate period-end closings by ensuring the accurate and timely completion of all responsibilities. 

• Prepare invoices for licensing partners and process monthly cash receipts.

• Prepare accounts receivable aging and ensure timely collections.

• Act as a key member of cross-functional teams to improve the flow of data and reporting. 

2. SOX Compliance 

• Support compliance with SOX key controls related to owned accounts and processes.

• Coordinate with internal and external auditors related to owned accounts and processes ensuring complete, timely, and accurate responses to information requests.

• Continuously evaluate SOX controls in light of changing systems/processes and work with Internal Audit to identify and implement necessary control changes.

3. Process Improvement

• Review existing processes, structures, and systems to assist in the identification of improvement opportunities with a focus on simplification, standardization, and optimization, especially the reduction of manual, Excel-based activities.

• Help drive the reduction of the close timeline by assessing and streamlining close-related activities.

• Assist in assessing the impact from and implement the required changes to systems, processes, policies, and procedures due to new accounting standards, regulatory changes, changes in business strategy, cross-departmental initiatives, and other operational changes. 

• Support the implementation of on-going process improvement initiatives. 

4. Annual Audit and Quarterly Reviews

• Support information flow between accounting teams, external auditors, and other internal and external partners.

• Prepare balance sheet and income statement fluctuation analyses.

• Provide support to Tax and Financial Reporting and adhere to external reporting timelines.

5. Other

• Collaborate cross functionally where required and appropriate.

• Strengthen and maintain relationships with both internal and external parties.

• Remain current on accounting and regulatory changes.

• Remain current on Restaurant and Retail industry-specific technologies and emerging trends.

• Prepare reports/analyses and participate in other projects as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Skilled with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).

• Confident, Caring, Team-oriented, Guest-focused, Supportive, Empathetic, Trustworthy.

• Understanding of US GAAP and SOX.

Related Experience

• 1-3 years of accounting experience in private and/or public accounting.

• Experience in the restaurant and/or retail industries preferred.

• Experience at Big 4 public accounting firm a plus.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's Degree

• BS/BA in Accounting or Finance required.

• CPA or CPA track preferred.