Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant

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 Staff Accountant ensures the accuracy and integrity of inventory, cost of sales, and gross margin accounts across the Company's retail stores, distribution centers, e-commerce platforms, and consignment programs. In this role, you will own journal entries, account reconciliations, audit support, and month-end close activities while maintaining strong internal controls. This position requires deep analytical skills and cross-functional collaboration, partnering closely with Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain teams. Ultimately, you will provide critical financial analysis and contribute to process improvement initiatives that directly support the Company's growth and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and account analyses with appropriate supporting documentation and internal control evidence for assigned areas, including inventory, sales, cost of goods sold, scrap, and reserves.
• Participate in month-end and period-end close activities, ensuring timely and accurate completion of assigned responsibilities.
• Prepare schedules, reports, and analyses supporting inventory valuation and financial reporting requirements.
• Perform detailed account variance analyses to identify trends, explain fluctuations, and ensure financial accuracy.
• Research and resolve inventory-related accounting issues, including inventory shrink, margin variances, and other transactional discrepancies.
• Investigate variances between book and physical inventory counts and partner with field operations to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Support inventory accounting processes and reporting for retail, distribution, and e-commerce operations.
• Maintain compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and internal control requirements.
• Assist in the development, documentation, and enhancement of internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Provide timely and accurate support for internal and external audit requests, including preparation of required documentation and analyses.
• Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of accounting operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional business partners to understand operational activities and their impact on financial reporting.
• Prepare ad hoc analyses, reports, and presentations to support management decision-making.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• 1-3 years of progressive accounting experience in public accounting, public company accounting, or a related environment.
• Experience with inventory accounting and reporting in a retail environment strongly preferred.
• Supply chain accounting knowledge preferred.
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and internal controls.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, OneNote, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools required; experience with JDA, Workday Adaptive Planning, and FloQast is a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Strong documentation, research, reconciliation, and data analysis skills.
• Demonstrated ability to proactively identify issues and drive resolutions.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Flexibility and commitment to support critical close and reporting deadlines.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.