Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer

Education - It's in Our DNA

At Barnes & Noble Education (“BNED”) we are dedicated to making tomorrow a better, more inclusive, and smarter world by servicing all who work in education. As a leading solutions provider for the education industry, we are committed to driving affordability, accessibility, and achievement at hundreds of academic institutions nationwide by ensuring millions of students are equipped for success in the classroom and beyond. Together, our teams work to elevate lives through education.

The Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer plays a strategic role in managing the company’s accounting operations. The Chief Accounting Officer is responsible for overseeing multiple accounting and finance functions, including the financial close process, SEC filings, revenue recognition, cash and accounts receivable management, internal controls, and audit and tax processes. This role requires a balance of strategic oversight and hands-on involvement to support the organization’s financial goals and ensure operational effectiveness.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Prepare and review all SEC filings, including Forms 10-Q and 10-K, ensuring compliance with US GAAP and SEC regulations.
• Develop, maintain, and update company accounting policies, including drafting technical position papers to document and support research and policy conclusions.
• Monitor new and proposed accounting and reporting standards, evaluate their impact on the company, formulate accounting positions, and implement the adoption of new standards.
• Act as the primary liaison with external auditors, ensuring the timely and thorough completion of reviews and audits.
• Provide technical accounting guidance to senior management, internal and external auditors, and peers through clear and effective presentations.
• Participate in key governance meetings, including the Board of Directors' Audit Committee and the company’s Disclosure Committee.
• Lead, develop, and mentor high-performing accounting teams, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Drive initiatives to optimize accounting processes and leverage advanced accounting technologies to enhance operational efficiency and scalability.
• Additional responsibilities as required.

What You'll Need to Succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in public accounting, or a combination of public/private accounting, with a strong emphasis on technical accounting and SEC reporting.
• Big 4 experience strongly preferred.
• Proven track record in leadership roles within complex, fast-paced environments.
• Strong technical accounting expertise, including proficiency with US GAAP and SEC regulations.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent technical writing skills with the ability to craft clear and concise documentation and reports.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate across teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and mentoring high-performing teams.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Experience with financial reporting tools and ERP systems.

Note: This is a hybrid role requiring in-office attendance three (3) days per week. Applicants should be within a commutable distance to the Basking Ridge, NJ area.

How We Elevate Our Employees

We believe your success is our success, so our benefits package is designed specifically to support you in every aspect of your life. At BNED, we offer a variety of programs and resources to support the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our employees by offering a competitive total rewards package for full-time employees, which includes medical, dental, and vision plans, 401k, life insurance, commuter benefits, paid time off with paid holidays, and a broad range of other benefits.

The hiring rate for this position is $300,000-$350,000 and is eligible for bonus and equity. The actual pay may vary based on factors such as professional experience, skills, and competencies.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

At Barnes & Noble Education we empower everyone. Our mission is to support students, faculty, and schools, serving as a catalyst to meet the evolving needs of the education system and a new generation of students. That starts with fostering an environment for our employees where diversity and individuality is celebrated.

Barnes & Noble Education is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. In the spirit of inclusivity, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ethnicity, ability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, nationality, protected veteran status, race, religion or sexual orientation.

#INDBNED

Salary : $300,000 - $350,000