Director, Inventory Accounting

DIVE IN TO A NEW CAREER WITH LESLIE'S:

Leslie's Pool Supplies is the "World's Largest Retailer of Swimming Pool Supplies." With over 1,000 retail stores in 39 states plus PRO, Service, E-Commerce, Production, and Distribution divisions, there are many career opportunities at Leslie's. With over 60 years of providing best-in-class products and solutions to our customers, there is nothing that we value more than the development and growth of our team. We strive to create a positive and fun atmosphere where our Team Members feel valued and are enthusiastic about the contributions they make to the success of Leslie's.

Job Overview:   

As the Director, Inventory Accounting, you will play a key role in providing strategic leadership and direction, fostering a collaborative culture, and driving operational excellence across the organization. This pivotal role involves shaping and executing the company's strategic initiatives to drive growth, profitability, and operational excellence. You will be responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of inventory accounting activities within the organization. You will play a critical role in ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective inventory control, and compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements (including Sarbanes-Oxley, SOX, requirements). As a key leader, you will play a crucial role in fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture that aligns with Leslie’s vision and values. 

Requirements:

• Financial Reporting: Oversee the preparation, review, and analysis of inventory-related financial statements, including inventory valuation, cost of goods sold (COGS), vendor rebates, and inventory reserves. Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards (such as US GAAP) and regulatory requirements (SOX).
• Inventory Control: A deep understanding of how to account for inventory, including how to identify expenses that should be capitalized, appropriate methods of valuing inventory, timing of recognition, the evaluation and action on purchase price variances.
• Significant recent experience with establishing, maintaining and monitoring robust internal controls over inventory accounting processes to meet the increased regulatory requirements of SOX which includes monitoring and analyzing inventory levels, movements, and costs to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. Identify and address any discrepancies or issues promptly.
• Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and enhance inventory accounting processes, systems, and controls. Identify opportunities for automation, streamlining workflows, and improving data accuracy and integrity. Leverage technology solutions to optimize inventory accounting operations.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including purchasing, operations, finance, AR/AP, and IT, to ensure effective coordination and communication regarding inventory-related matters. Provide insights and recommendations to support inventory planning, forecasting, and decision-making.
• Audit and Compliance: Coordinate and support internal and external audits related to inventory accounting. Ensure compliance with accounting policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Address audit findings and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with inventory accounting, such as inventory obsolescence, valuation issues, and shrinkage. Implement controls and monitoring mechanisms to safeguard inventory assets and minimize financial risks.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate effectively with key stakeholders, including senior management, finance teams, and operational leaders. Present inventory accounting reports, findings, and insights in a clear and concise manner. Provide guidance on inventory-related financial matters.
•  Develop and implement long-term strategies to advance Leslie’s objectives and drive growth. 
•  Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and cost-effective management of resources. Monitor performance metrics and implement continuous improvement initiatives. 
• Lead, build, and mentor a high performing team based on collaboration, innovation, and high performance. Foster a culture that exemplifies Leslie’s Mission, Vision, and Values.  

Qualifications - Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• US CPA required.
• 6 years of experience in External Audit in a Big 4 public accounting firm.
  • This role is ideal for a Big 4 External Audit, Senior Manager looking to take on their first corporate job.
  • Must have considerable experience auditing SOX clients.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, inventory valuation methods (weighted average) and standard costing.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
•  Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills. Ability to drive organizational change and innovation. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with stakeholders at all levels. 
• Ability to collaborate across functions, influence stakeholders, and drive process improvements.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Qualifications - Preferred:

• Retail or consumer goods industry experience.
• Proficiency in ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems and inventory management software.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics D365.

Leslie's provides a robust benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive medical, pharmacy, dental, & vision plan options
• Health savings account (with enrollment in the high deductible health plan option)
• Health & dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Company-paid basic life insurance
• Voluntary supplemental life insurance
• Company-paid short-term disability and long-term disability insurance
• Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) with company match
• Paid sick and bereavement leave
• 10 paid holidays, including a floating personal day
• Employee assistance and wellness programs
• Free onsite health clinic
• Hybrid work schedule
• Product discounts at Leslie’s Retail stores

Leslie’s recognizes a critical component to our continued success is our people. Leslie's is committed to developing and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion within our company and the communities we serve. A key aspect of building a great team is valuing ideas from many viewpoints, which is why we place a priority on identifying and hiring talented individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives.