ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc

Senior Project Accountant

Finance & Insurance
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA preferred.
  • 3-5+ years of accounting or related finance experience.
  • Strong technical accounting knowledge, especially U.S. GAAP related to IT projects.
  • Experience with internal-use software and technology project accounting preferred.
  • Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office; SAP experience a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Support IT project financial planning and budgeting processes.
  • Evaluate and recommend accounting treatment for IT project costs.
  • Provide accounting guidance during project intake and governance.
  • Manage month-end close activities, including accruals and journal entries.
  • Analyze financial results, identify issues, and propose solutions.
  • Maintain project financial trackers and prepare forecast inputs.
  • Support compliance with SOX and audit documentation activities.

Benefits

  • Paid time off and health benefits including dental and vision.
  • Life and disability insurance offerings.
  • Eligibility for a performance-based bonus.
  • Opportunity for career development through company programs.
Full Job Description
THE IMPACT YOU CAN HAVE:

The General Accounting department is seeking a Senior Project Accountant to support accounting, financial oversight, forecasting, governance, and close activities for the Company's IT project portfolio, including capital projects, cloud/SaaS initiatives, internal-use software, capitalized labor, and project-related operating expenses.

This position serves as the primary accounting resource supporting the Company's IT project portfolio and a key accounting and finance partner to IT Finance, SPD IT, IT Leadership, FP&A, the Transformation Office, and project and budget owners. The role independently evaluates, researches, documents, and recommends the appropriate accounting treatment for IT project costs, including capitalization, expense classification, cloud/SaaS accounting, and related accounting considerations in accordance with applicable U.S. GAAP, including ASC 350-40, ASC 360, and Company accounting policies.

The Senior Project Accountant will play a critical role in annual business planning, project intake and governance, monthly close and accruals, project forecasting, SOX support, audit documentation, and continuous process improvement.

This role requires strong accounting judgment, technical accounting knowledge, analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.

YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS BY:
  • Support annual IT project planning by preparing project financial information, validating financial and accounting assumptions, and partnering with Accounting, IT Finance, SPD IT, FP&A, the Transformation Office, and IT Leadership during the planning and budget development process.
  • Independently evaluate, document, and recommend accounting treatment for IT project costs, including capitalization, expense classification, cloud/SaaS arrangements, internal-use software, capitalized labor, and project operating expenses in accordance with applicable U.S. GAAP and Company accounting policies. Escalate complex or judgmental matters to management for review and approval.
  • Support project intake and governance by providing accounting guidance on project funding, coding, capitalization considerations, documentation requirements, and capitalization stage assessments consistent with ASC 350-40-25.
  • Perform monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities for the IT project portfolio, including accruals, journal entries, reconciliations, SAP actuals, Planview data, account analyses, and supporting workpapers.
  • Independently analyze financial results, investigate variances, identify project coding or classification issues, develop recommendations, and partner with stakeholders to resolve complex accounting and financial issues.
  • Maintain project financial trackers and prepare forecast inputs for the IT project portfolio, including capital expenditures, cloud/SaaS costs, capitalized labor, and project operating expenses. Analyze variances, validate assumptions, support the preparation and consolidation of monthly forecasts, and prepare supporting analyses for management review.
  • Support quarterly CIP reviews, amortization and impairment considerations, SOX controls, internal and external audit requests, and financial reporting requirements related to IT project activity.
  • Partner with Accounting, IT Finance, SPD IT, FP&A, IT Leadership, project owners, and budget owners to provide accounting guidance, influence project accounting decisions, communicate financial results, and proactively identify financial risks and opportunities.
  • Provide day-to-day technical guidance, coaching, and training to Project Accountants and cross-functional stakeholders regarding project accounting processes, accounting policies, capitalization requirements, and financial governance.
  • Prepare technical accounting memoranda, accounting position papers, and supporting analyses for management review to support capitalization decisions, accounting conclusions, policy interpretations, and audit requirements.
  • Research and interpret applicable accounting guidance, evaluate emerging accounting issues related to technology investments, and provide recommendations to management regarding the appropriate accounting treatment.
  • Identify and recommend process improvements related to IT project planning, forecasting, financial reporting, project accounting processes, internal controls, and overall financial visibility. Support implementation of approved process improvements.
  • Perform other routine and non-routine accounting, finance, and project support activities as assigned.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Independent accounting judgment, technical accounting research, mentoring, and problem-solving.
  • Financial ownership, accountability, and internal control mindset
  • Analytical problem solving and attention to detail
  • Cross-functional partnership and ability to influence without direct authority
  • Clear, executive-ready communication
  • Process discipline, continuous improvement mindset, and ability to work independently

THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA preferred.
  • 3-5+ years of accounting, project accounting, corporate accounting, public accounting, or related finance experience.
  • Strong technical accounting knowledge, including capital versus expense treatment under applicable U.S. GAAP, including ASC 350-40 and ASC 360.
  • Experience with internal-use software, cloud computing arrangements, technology project accounting, IT capital project accounting, and related guidance such as ASC 350-40 preferred.
  • Experience with close processes, forecasting, journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, account analysis, and supporting workpapers.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to investigate variances, identify issues, and document conclusions.
  • Understanding of financial processes, internal controls, SOX, and audit support requirements.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently research technical accounting issues, apply professional judgment, and communicate accounting conclusions to management and business partners.
  • Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills; SAP experience preferred.
  • Strong communication, follow-up, and cross-functional partnership skills.
  • Detail-oriented, self-starting, hands-on, and able to manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
#LI-Hybrid

#LI-JB2

The pay range for this position is $79,900.00 - $110,000.00 / Year with the opportunity for eligible associates to earn additional compensation pursuant to the Company's bonus plan. Exact pay will be based on factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, level, shift, geographic location, and business and organizational needs. Full-time positions are eligible for paid time off, health, dental, vision, life and disability benefits. Part-time positions are eligible for dental, vision, life, and disability benefits. For additional information concerning our benefits, visit our Benefits and Career Development page: https://learn.bswift.com/ulta

About ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc

ULTA Beauty is the beauty retailer in the United States and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin, hair care products and salon services. Since opening its first store 25 years ago, ULTA Beauty has grown to become the top national retailer providing All Things Beauty, All in One Place™. The Company offers more than 20,000 products from over 500 well-established and emerging beauty brands across all categories and price points, including ULTA Beauty's own private label. ULTA Beauty also offers a full-service salon in every store featuring hair, skin and brow services. ULTA Beauty is recognized for its commitment to personalized service, fun and inviting stores and its industry-leading Ultamate Rewards loyalty program.

ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. Careers

Join the vibrant team at ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc., a leader in the beauty industry, where innovation meets diversity and professional growth. As a company renowned for its inclusive culture and commitment to employee development, there has never been a better time to explore job opportunities with us. Work You’ll Do At ULTA, we empower our team to bring beauty to life, providing unparalleled opportunities for career advancement and professional enrichment. Whether you are looking for a position in our retail stores, at our corporate headquarters, or within our distribution network, ULTA offers a dynamic work environment where your skills will be honed and your achievements recognized. Join our team and contribute to an industry-leading company known for its commitment to innovation, leadership, and diversity. ULTA is not just about beauty products; it's about elevating the beauty in everyone. Our team’s diversity is our strength, and we continuously strive to foster an inclusive environment through comprehensive diversity training programs. Internship and Employment Opportunities Start your career journey with an internship at ULTA, where you can gain hands-on experience in a thriving retail environment. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the beauty industry, offering insights into various aspects of business operations, from marketing to supply chain management. For those seeking full-time roles, ULTA is hiring across a range of departments. We look for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests on our Careers page. Benefits and Culture At ULTA, we believe in rewarding our employees for their hard work and commitment. Our benefits package is designed to support the well-being and financial security of our team members and their families. Benefits include health coverage, retirement plans, employee discounts, and more. Our company culture champions personal and professional growth, encouraging every team member to reach their full potential. Through leadership training and continuous learning opportunities, we prepare our employees to lead and innovate in the beauty industry. Networking and Professional Development Stay connected and advance your career through ULTA’s networking events, where you can meet industry leaders and like-minded professionals. Enhance your resume and interview skills through our career development workshops and receive personalized advice from our experienced hiring managers. Future-Proof Your Career With ULTA, the trajectory of your career is boundless. Embrace the opportunity to grow with a company that is as committed to your professional journey as it is to leadership in the beauty industry. Explore Discover how ULTA is transforming the beauty landscape and leading the way in retail innovation. Read more about our latest projects and the impact they have on our customers and industry. Join Our Team Search for job opportunities that align with your career aspirations. We are excited to see how your vision and expertise can contribute to our ongoing success. Stay Up to Date Keep ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. Join us and be part of a company where innovation, leadership, and beauty move forward together.
Learn more about ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc
Size
16,500 employees
Market Cap
$23.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$175.8 million
Founded
1990
5 Year Trend
+12.2%
Revenue
$6.1 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc

  • ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc
    Senior Project Accountant
    $79K — $110K *
    Bolingbrook, IL 60440 (Will County)
    Finance & Insurance
    In-Person
  • ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc
    Manager Project Accounting
    $106K — $138K *
    Bolingbrook, IL 60440 (Will County)
    Finance & Insurance
    In-Person
  • ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc
    General Manager
    $79K — $107K *
    Burnsville, MN 55337 (Dakota County)
    Retail & Consumer Goods
    In-Person
  • ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc
    General Manager
    $79K — $107K *
    Forsyth, IL 62535 (Macon County)
    Retail & Consumer Goods
    In-Person
  • ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc
    Sr Financial Analyst
    $77K — $106K *
    Bolingbrook, IL 60440 (Will County)
    Finance & Insurance
    In-Person

More Finance & Insurance Jobs

Find similar Senior Project Accountant jobs: