Job Summary:
The principal responsibilities of the Principal Accountant – Consolidated Reporting is preparing monthly financial statements and initiating monthly close activities including: the accounting for share-based payment expense, the preparation of monthly journal entries, the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share, the reconciliation of all related equity accounts, and preparation of the consolidated statement of cash flows. This individual will also have responsibility for preparing key disclosures within the Company’s quarterly and annual filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which includes, but is not limited to, filings on Form 10-Q, Form 10-K and Form 11-K. The Principal Accountant is also responsible for preparing the Company’s quarterly and annual XBRL filings. This individual will also prepare and/or review various monthly Executive Management, Board of Directors, and Audit Committee analysis reporting packages.
In addition, the Principal Accountant may assist in drafting memos to address Lowe’s accounting policy decisions regarding new or standard transactions entered into by the company. The individual must be able to analyze information provided by the business and research accounting literature to determine the appropriate recording and reporting requirements, as well as any disclosure impacts.

The Principal Accountant will collaborate directly with members within and outside of the Corporate Accounting organization (Finance, Tax, Treasury, Investor Relations, etc.) in order to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the Company’s SEC filings. This includes assisting in preparation of quarterly earnings materials and ensuring accurate messaging of financial results. This individual will also support other SEC filings, including the annual proxy statement and Form 8-Ks.

To accomplish these tasks, the Principal Accountant must have a detailed knowledge of US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP) and preferred to have experience preparing financial statements and disclosures for publicly traded companies. In addition, this individual must have strong analytical skills, as well as strong written and verbal communication skills. This individual needs to be well organized and able to handle multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.

Monthly Responsibilities

• Partner with Human Resources, Investor Relations, Tax, Stock Compensation Administration, and Legal to ensure complete, accurate, and appropriately presented financial information to external users of financial information.

• Partners with members of Stock Plan Administration to ensure stock related activity is properly recorded in the period.

• Preparing the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, ensuring completeness and accuracy, as well as appropriate presentation of transactions.

• Preparing the monthly accounting for share-based payment expense and calculation of diluted and basic earnings per share, and related journal entries.

• Prepares account reconciliations and performs analyses to ensure equity activity has been properly recorded.

• Assisting in preparing monthly financial reporting analysis packages for presentation to Executive Management, the Board of Directors, and the Audit Committee.

• Perform testing and supporting documentation for Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) controls.

Financial Reporting

• Prepares monthly and quarterly financial statements, including Statement of Current and Retained Earnings, Statement of Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Shareholders’ Equity.

• Prepares supporting documentation for financial statement disclosures included in the company’s SEC filings.

• Reviewing and evaluating financial disclosures made by other retailers in their quarterly and annual SEC filings to identify best practices and opportunities for improvement.

• Assists in the preparation of XBRL filings.

Collaboration with Others

• Works cross-functionally (HR, Stock Compensation Administration, Tax, Investor Relations, Finance) to manage and organize work processes and ensure most efficient work flow.

• Supports a collaborative environment by working in a team of peers to solve problems and shares information with peers, manager, and customers as appropriate

Self-Development

• Organizes resources and information in an efficient manner to handle competing demands and accomplish what needs to be done.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field

• 4 years of experience with an emphasis in public accounting and/or external reporting

• CPA - Certified Public Accountant required

• Demonstrated experience working cross-functionally

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Masters degree in Accounting or Finance

• Experience related to SEC reporting.

• Experience with PeopleSoft or Oracle ERP system and Workiva a plus

• Experience preparing XBRL filings

Lowe’s is an equal opportunity employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.