Technical Accounting Lead

Overview

Summary - basic function of the role

The Technical Accounting Lead is a key member of the Global Controllership team responsible for researching, evaluating, documenting, and communicating accounting conclusions under U.S. GAAP and, as needed, other local accounting frameworks. The role leads technical accounting support for complex and non-routine transactions (including acquisitions & divestitures), significant estimates, and adoption of new accounting standards. This position partners across Finance and the broader organization, serves as a liaison with external auditors and third-party accounting advisors, supports external reporting, and helps maintain complete, accurate, and timely accounting records and disclosures. The successful candidate will combine strong technical accounting expertise with clear communication, sound judgment, hands-on execution, and the ability to coach team members and influence stakeholders across a global organization.

Location, Schedule and Perks: This position is based at our beautifully renovated headquarters in downtown Milwaukee, right along the Riverwalk, across from the The Avenue, which is connected to 3rd street market. We offer secure paid underground parking, an onsite fitness center with a personal trainer, and direct access to over two miles of skywalks connecting you to restaurants, coffee shops, and other downtown amenities. Our hybrid schedule includes working onsite Monday through Thursday, with remote work on Fridays.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead research and evaluation of complex accounting matters under U.S. GAAP and applicable interpretive guidance, including strategic transactions and matters involving significant estimates.
• Evaluate global accounting matters under local GAAP, including IFRS, and identify differences between U.S. GAAP and other accounting frameworks.
• Develop well-supported accounting conclusions and prepare clear, concise technical accounting memoranda for senior finance leadership, internal audit, and external audit.
• Communicate technical accounting conclusions in practical, easy-to-understand terms to finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• Monitor new accounting pronouncements, assess potential impacts, communicate conclusions, and lead implementation of newly adopted accounting standards.
• Lead consultations with external accounting firms and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors on technical accounting matters.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, documentation, and governance necessary to support consistent compliance with U.S. GAAP.
• Partner with Global Finance to support ongoing accounting and policy matters related to standards such as ASC 606, ASC 842, and ASC 326.
• Lead recurring reviews of open technical accounting matters, track practical expedients or alternative accounting treatments, and communicate related impacts to leadership.
• Support month-end and quarter-end close activities, control certifications, and other controllership responsibilities as needed.
• Support preparation and review of quarterly and annual external reporting, including Form 10-Q, Form 10-K, annual proxy filings, earnings-release financial information, financial statements, footnotes, and other disclosures in Workiva.
• Draft new or revised disclosures resulting from accounting-standard updates, strategic transactions, or other significant events and perform tie-outs to supporting records.
• Support preparation or review of annual employee benefit plan financial reports, as needed.
• Coach and mentor team members through timely feedback, technical guidance, and participation in the performance-management process.
• Contribute to Global Controllership initiatives and other cross-functional projects, demonstrating urgency and responsiveness in supporting non-routine transactions and business needs.

Skills and Competencies

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.
• Five or more years of progressive experience in accounting, auditing, technical accounting, external reporting, or a related field.
• Public accounting experience, preferably with a Big Four firm, strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, internal controls, and technical accounting research methods.
• Experience researching and documenting complex accounting matters and supporting strategic or non-routine transactions preferred.
• Experience with SEC reporting and preparation or review of financial statements and disclosures preferred.
• Experience working within a complex, global publicly traded organization preferred.
• Ability to interpret complex guidance, apply sound judgment, and develop defensible accounting conclusions.
• Strong written communication skills, including preparation of clear and concise accounting memoranda and disclosures.
• Ability to translate technical accounting concepts for stakeholders with different levels of accounting and finance experience.
• Strong collaboration and business-partnership skills with the ability to influence across functions and levels.
• Excellent organization, project management, and prioritization skills in a deadline-driven environment.
• High attention to detail, commitment to accuracy, and a strong sense of ownership and urgency.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and develop team members.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with Oracle, OneStream, Workiva, or comparable systems preferred.

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