Lead Accountant

Mission Yogurt, Inc. is a boutique concessionaire company that operates restaurants primarily in high-traffic airports, including Denver International Airport and San Diego International Airport. Mission operates a wide range of concepts, including fast food, fast-casual, full-service restaurants, and retail stores.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lead Accountant is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the accounting department, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in financial reporting and compliance.  This position’s key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, financial reporting, journal entry preparation, account reconciliations, month-end closing procedures, preparation of various analyses, and assistance with quarterly and year-end requests and audits, including the preparation of financial statements.  In addition, the Lead Accountant contributes to the achievement of the Company’s timely and accurate reporting by assisting with process improvement initiatives and managing and mentoring other members of the accounting department. The primary objective is to ensure the integrity of financial information and contribute to the organization’s financial health and strategic goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee, lead, and participate in the finalization of monthly and annual financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP accounting standards.

• Responsible for the accounting of complex transactions, including the management and reconciliation of intercompany accounts and subsidiary records, ensuring the accuracy of journal entries and the proper classification of accounting entries.

• Keep up to date with accounting principle developments and regulatory accounting developments in order to ensure the optimization of best practices.

• Support the development of accounting policies and provide accounting guidance to executive management.

• Support the Accounting Manager in preparing deliverables, reports & presentations to Executive Management.

• Review patterns or trends in processes, including key accounting estimates, and identify opportunities for standardization and optimization.

• Analyze financial data to support decision-making.

• Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the integrity of financial data.

• Assist with the management of the accounts payable and receivable processes, ensuring timely payments to suppliers and prompt collection from customers.

• Liaise with external auditors during annual audits, providing all necessary financial records and support to facilitate the audit process.

• Research and implement new accounting software and systems to improve financial reporting efficiency and accuracy.

• Hold staff accountable and review errors related to adherence to the Company’s financial processes, procedures, and deadlines.

• Mentor and supervise accounting staff, providing training and development to enhance their skills and performance.

• Maintains Company confidence and protects operations by keeping accounting, banking and financial information confidential.

KEY SKILLS:

• Knowledge of current and emerging trends in technologies, techniques, issues, and approaches in area of expertise.

• Knowledge of restaurant terminology, supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control.

• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive, confidential issues.

• Records maintenance and database management skills.

• Ability to perform in a multi-tasking environment and work creatively with limited resources.

• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in business or accounting preferred.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

• Prior experience in a leadership role. 

• 2 – 5 years of experience in clerical accounting.

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting and bookkeeping principles and procedures.

• MS Office and knowledge of QuickBooks accounting software.

• Experience in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry is an advantage.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE EQUIVALENCY:
Two years of the appropriate type and level of experience will serve as an equivalency to one year of education.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to alternate between sitting and standing for up to 10 hours. Position requires prolonged sitting, bending, stooping, twisting, reaching overhead, and lifting products and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds, with occasional lifting and/or moving of items up to 50 pounds, as well as repetitive hand and wrist motion.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with this job. This is an exempt position. Scheduled hours can vary by accounting needs, including necessary adjustments made during high and low seasonal changes. Travel up to 10%. Weekly, candidates should expect to work up to 45 hours a week. We are a 24/7, 365 operation. The successful candidate must be able to pass a background check with our company, with the TSA, a drug screen, and be insurable with a valid driver’s license.

Mission Yogurt, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal treatment of all employees without regard to race, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, physical or mental disability or other basis protected by law. While Mission is committed to following this principle in every facet of employment, all employees share in the responsibility to promote and foster a favorable work environment.