This position is based at our corporate office in Phoenix, AZ, and follows a hybrid work schedule. Remote work is not available for this role. Candidates must reside within commuting distance, as relocation assistance is not provided. Additionally, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored visa support.

Job Overview:

The Accounting Manager is responsible for preparing and/or reviewing journal entries, account reconciliations, management reporting, and financial analyses to ensure the accuracy and completeness of revenue, cost of sales, and inventory accounts for the Company's 900+ retail stores, distribution centers, and e-commerce business.

This position plays a key role in maintaining effective and efficient accounting policies and procedures, with a strong focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence. The role is highly cross-functional and requires close collaboration with teams across the organization to provide meaningful, data-driven financial insights that support business decisions.

In addition, the Accounting Manager is responsible for supporting internal and external audit requests, responding to ad hoc reporting needs, and assisting with special projects as assigned. This position is based at Leslie's Corporate Office in Phoenix, Arizona, and reports directly to the Director of Accounting.

Responsibilities:

• Build, lead, and develop a talented, highly motivated team by establishing and managing goals aligned with departmental and company objectives.
• Prepare and/or review period-end journal entries, account reconciliations, and account analyses with appropriate supporting documentation and internal controls for assigned areas, including inventory, cost of sales, and vendor rebates.
• Facilitate period-end close processes by ensuring the timely and accurate completion of Inventory Accounting responsibilities while identifying opportunities to reduce the close timeline.
• Evaluate, develop, implement, and monitor accounting and operational policies and procedures with an emphasis on improving accuracy, timeliness, compliance, and risk mitigation, particularly through the reduction of manual Excel-based processes.
• Review, investigate, and resolve accounting discrepancies and reconciling items.
• Perform detailed variance analyses on assigned accounts to identify trends, explain fluctuations, and ensure financial accuracy.
• Play an active, hands-on role in daily inventory accounting operations while partnering closely with cross-functional teams to develop and maintain effective processes, procedures, and policies.
• Recommend, support, and implement process improvements related to accounting operations, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain ownership of key controls related to corporate accounts and processes, including updating SOX narratives as needed and performing assigned controls to support a strong internal control environment.
• Continuously assess internal controls in response to evolving systems and processes and collaborate with leadership to implement necessary improvements.
• Provide requested documentation and support to internal and external auditors in a timely manner.
• Prepare ad hoc reports, analyses, and presentations as needed.
• Support additional projects and initiatives as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA designation preferred.
• Strong experience with inventory accounting and reporting concepts in a retail environment; supply chain knowledge strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of U.S. GAAP and internal control frameworks.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in public accounting and/or a public company accounting environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, OneNote, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including active listening, problem-solving, and presentation abilities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills with the ability to identify and resolve complex accounting issues.
• Thorough understanding of accounting principles with the initiative to stay current on accounting standards and regulatory changes.
• Excellent documentation, research, reconciliation, and data analysis skills.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong process management capabilities.
• Strong knowledge of general ledger systems, accounting operations, and process improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated accountability and initiative, with the ability to produce results independently and drive outcomes beyond formal job responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently with significant latitude for initiative and sound judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining composure in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and mentoring abilities with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.

We offer our employees competitive compensation, extensive paid training, comprehensive and flexible suite of benefits package, 401K with company match, team member discounts, rewards for top performers, and most importantly career advancement opportunities.