Sr Director Assistant Corporate Controller

DIVE IN TO A NEW CAREER WITH LESLIE'S:

Founded in 1963, Leslie's is the largest and most trusted direct-to-consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry. We serve the aftermarket needs of residential and professional consumers with an extensive and largely exclusive assortment of essential pool and spa care products. We operate an integrated ecosystem of 900+ retail locations, backyard service and repair, a robust digital platform, and manufacturing and distribution divisions across 35+ states—enabling consumers to engage with Leslie’s whenever, wherever, and however they prefer to shop. 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.

This position is not open to agency submissions.

This position is based at our corporate office in Phoenix, AZ, and follows a hybrid work schedule. Remote work is not available for this role. Candidates must reside within commuting distance, as relocation assistance is not provided. Additionally, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored visa support.

Job Overview:

The Senior Director & Assistant Corporate Controller is accountable for developing and maintaining an efficient and effective Corporate Accounting function, inclusive of accounting policies, processes, systems and tools to strengthen financial reporting accuracy and efficiency, as well as staff development and succession planning. The scope of the role includes monthly and quarterly consolidation and month-end close, management reporting, balance sheet reconciliations, and management of SOX 404 controls.
This role requires leadership, collaboration and influencing skills, as well as executive presence in both written and verbal form. This role is responsible for the maintenance and continuous improvement of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) 404 controls, including close collaboration with management and internal/external auditors. In addition, the role requires a change-oriented mindset to actively identify, recommend and implement tools and processes in response to the Company’s growth and increasing use of technology.

This position is based at Leslie’s corporate office in Phoenix, Arizona and reports directly to the VP, Corporate Comptroller.

Responsibilities:

• Build and develop a talented and highly motivated team, including establishing and managing goals that are aligned with overall departmental and company objectives.
• Evaluate, refine, and monitor accounting and operational policies and procedures with an emphasis on improving accuracy and timeliness, reducing risk, and strengthening compliance.
• Manage all monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting deliverables and deadlines.
• Facilitate month-end closings by ensuring the accurate and timely completion of close-related responsibilities while focusing on strategies to drive the reduction of the close timeline.
• Review month-end entries, account reconciliations, and account analyses including but not limited to cash, accruals, prepaids, fixed assets, leases, loyalty, self-insurance programs, payroll and SG&A expenses with appropriate internal control documentation and support where required.
• Manage the fixed asset/SaaS, lease accounting and loyalty program processes including developing and implementing robust policies and procedures to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Assist with the adoption of technical accounting policies and procedures in collaboration with Financial Reporting; ensure the consistent application of technical accounting and reporting policies.
• Ensure effective information flow between financial reporting/corporate accounting teams and other internal and external partners.
• Continuously evaluate internal controls in response to changing systems/processes and work with department leadership to identify and implement necessary changes.
• Manage external auditors and provide internal and external auditors with requested documentation on a timely basis.
• Ensure ownership and effectiveness of key controls related to assigned accounts and processes.
• Assist with the identification and implementation of short-term and long-term automation opportunities to streamline and strengthen controls and processes.
• Other projects as requested.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in public accounting and public company corporate accounting teams, with at least five (5) years’ experience in a managerial role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Active CPA certification strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and internal controls.
• Experience with SEC financial statement preparation, consolidations, month-end close, general ledger, journal entries, account reconciliations, budgeting/forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team in a fast-paced and high-volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.
• Effective verbal and written communications, including active listening skills, problem solving skills, and presentation skills.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles with the initiative to remain current on accounting and other regulatory changes.
• Excellent documentation skills, research and resolution skills, and analytics capabilities.
• Organized and extremely detail-oriented; ability to manage multiple projects and work streams.
• Process oriented with a strong knowledge of applicable general ledger systems.
• Ability to work independently, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.
• Ability to maintain composure under pressure while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Ability to influence across all levels and experience working in a rapidly changing environment.
• Holds self and others accountable for ensuring that results are achieved, seizes opportunities to produce results without direct supervision, takes action on items beyond formal job responsibility, and sets high expectations for self and others.
• Advanced competency in Excel and proficient with other Microsoft Office products (e.g., One Note, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience in multi-location accounting and/or retail industry preferred.
• Software and/or system implementation experience preferred.

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 and AD&D insurance.
• Voluntary supplemental life insurance.
• Company-paid short-term disability and voluntary long-term disability insurance.
• Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) with company match.
• Paid vacation, sick, and bereavement leave.
• Paid holidays, including a floating personal day.
• Employee assistance and wellness programs.
• Earned Wage access is available, allowing early access to a portion of your earned wages before payday.
• Product discounts at Leslie’s Retail stores.

Leslie’s recognizes a critical component to our continued success is our people. Leslie’s is proud to have a culture of inclusion that seeks to celebrate and embrace the different backgrounds and perspectives that help drive our success and support team members in developing and growing with us. We aim to create a workplace where all team members feel welcomed and valued and inspire each other every day.