As a skilled and experienced accountant within FleetPride's accounting organization, the Senior Operations Accountant will play a key role in supporting inventory and operations accounting across a multi-location retail and distribution network. This role is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of inventory-related financial data, including valuation, movements, and reserves, in accordance with GAAP.
This individual will partner closely with operations, supply chain, and branch leadership to ensure accurate financial representation of inventory activity across numerous locations. The role requires a detail-oriented professional focused on operational excellence, continuous improvement, and strengthening internal controls over inventory and cost of goods sold (COGS).
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Inventory & Operations Accounting / Monthly Close:
- Execute the end-to-end monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes with a primary focus on inventory, cost of goods sold (COGS), and distribution operations.
- Prepare and review journal entries related to inventory transactions, including receipts, transfers, adjustments, obsolescence reserves, and shrink.
- Perform and review inventory and inventory-related account reconciliations (including inventory subledger to general ledger), ensuring completeness and accuracy across multiple locations.
- Monitor inventory activity across the general ledger and subledger systems, ensuring proper valuation (e.g., standard/average cost), cut-off, and classification.
- Analyze inventory variances, including purchase price variance, shrink, cycle count adjustments, and obsolescence, providing actionable insights to operations and finance leadership.
- Partner with operations and supply chain teams to ensure accurate and timely recording of inventory movements across branches, distribution centers, and intercompany locations.
- Support and review physical inventory counts, cycle count programs, and related adjustments, ensuring adherence to company policies and internal controls.
- Ensure appropriate accounting for inventory reserves (excess/obsolete), freight capitalization, and other inventory- related accruals and deferrals.
- Perform variance analysis on inventory balances and COGS, comparing actual results to budget and prior periods, and provide meaningful operational commentary.
- Support and enhance the month-end close calendar with a focus on inventory-related deadlines and coordination across multiple operating locations.
Internal Controls:
- Document and maintain documentation to support existing internal controls and to identify and address process and/or control gaps identified.
Leadership:
- Informally supervise and mentor accounting staff, providing coaching, training, and performance feedback.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance culture within the accounting team.
Systems & Process Improvements:
- Continuously evaluate the month-end close process to identify opportunities to reduce close timelines and improve accuracy and transparency.
- Document close procedures and ensure appropriate cross-training within the team.
- Drive standardization and efficiency in reconciliations, reporting, and journal entry workflows.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; Master's in Accounting or Business Administration a plus
- CPA a plus
- 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, with significant experience in inventory accounting within retail, distribution, or multi-location environments.
- Demonstrated knowledge of US GAAP and internal controls
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
- Strong understanding of inventory accounting principles, including inventory valuation methods, reserves, shrinkage, and cost of goods sold.
- Experience working with high-volume inventory transactions across multiple branches, warehouses, or distribution centers.
- Demonstrated experience reconciling inventory subledgers to the general ledger and resolving discrepancies.
- Familiarity with ERP systems supporting inventory management (experience with AS400, Cognos/TM1, SQL, PowerBI a plus).
- Experience supporting physical inventory counts, cycle counts, and audit requirements related to inventory.
- Experience in a high-growth or mid-sized corporate environment, preferably in distribution, logistics, or retail industries.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
