Lead Accountant
Description
Seeking a team oriented LEAD ACCOUNTANT who will be responsible for providing financial support to Kaiser Permanente's Information Technology Group (KP-IT). Must be a highly organized professional with proven accounting and analytical skills.
The Lead Accountant is responsible for the proper, accurate, and timely recording of financial transactions in the general ledger in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Kaiser Permanente policies, and internal control standards. Responsible for account analysis, account reconciliations, resolving reconciling items utilizing problem solving skills.
Responsibilities include leading system project initiatives, process improvements, process automation and standardization and communicating financial information to Management. Must have the ability to work independently and with other team members and departments to resolve accounting problems/issues.
Essential Functions:
Ensures proper and timely recording of financial transactions in the general ledger in accordance with GAAP, Kaiser Permanente policies and procedures, and internal control standards.
Perform monthly analysis and reconciliation of balance sheet accounts, including inter-regional reconciliations.
Monitors assigned month end close activities including communication of risks and opportunities to management.
Perform monthly and ad hoc reporting to Program Offices (PO), KP-IT management and KP-IT finance community in an accurate and timely manner.
Perform detailed variance analysis on multiple tasks/projects.
Create and generate financial reports.
Perform responsibilities in a team environment.
Document and maintain financial department and desktop procedures/systems.
Research and prepare accounting solutions for a variety of problems of moderate scope and complexity.
Act as information resource to the finance community, guiding customers regarding proper accounting treatment on a variety of issues.
Follow internal controls and SOX requirements.
Act as resource to less experienced team members.
Backup for manager as requested.
Review and approve work of other team members.
Serves as the content expert for GAAP, providing assistance and advice to team and customers.
Defines and frames complex issues and develops processes for decision making.
Identifies and communicates opportunities for change to improve performance.
Coordinates the research of technical accounting solutions for complex business issues.
Monitors compliance with Kaiser Permanente accounting policies and GAAP pronouncements.
Contributes to a positive work environment, emphasizing respect for individuals, high standards of quality, innovation, team work, and collaboration among business unit.
Coordinates department's role in SOX and year end audit activities with internal and external auditors, including audit schedule preparation and responses to recommendations.
Participates in various national or regional initiatives, department projects and initiatives.
Participates and leads cross training in department.
Identify and implement on-going process improvement and standardization for month end close and other current processes.
All other duties as assigned by Manager.
Qualifications:
Basic Qualificiations:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, or 4 years of equivalent work experience.
A minimum of 8 years of progressive accounting and finance experience
Experience in general ledger, balance sheet reconciliations, and journal entries.
Strong analytical, communication and problem-solving skills.
Full knowledge of GAAP and internal controls.
Experience in monitoring and strengthening internal controls processes and Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.
Strong PC skills in the Microsoft environment, especially Excel and Word.
Effective interpersonal skills to work with various levels of staff to deliver a high level of customer support.
Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines and perform well under demanding timelines and pressure.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Experience in developing and implementing solutions to complex accounting issues
Strong communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
Results driven and can deliver under pressure.
Knowledge of and experience in project management.
Experience in process improvement and standardization.
Ability to work independently and proactively with minimal supervision.
Preferred Requirements:
CPA preferred
Public Accounting experience preferred.
Ability to evaluate and recommend solutions on complex projects/problems.
Demonstrated ability to create and maintain reports.
Strong organizational and communication and problem solving skills.
Strong service orientation and team focus.
Experience in a large organization.
Experience with Business Objects and Peoplesoft.
Knowledge of Kaiser's accounting processes, systems and procedures.
Management experience in managing and mentoring staff.
External hires must pass a background check/drug screen.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.