Lead Accountant - Accounting

Description Summary: The Lead Accountant plays a pivotal role in preparing month-end general ledger journal entries following Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). This position entails reviewing assigned journal entries and performing financial statement analysis as part of various functional accounting teams. Functional Accounting Teams include: Cash Accounting Fixed Assets Accounting Corporate Accounting Payroll Accounting Investments and Foundation Accounting Prepaid Asset, Deferred Revenue, and Notes Payable Accounting Inventory and Supplies Accounting Physician Guarantees and Fees Accounting Purchased Services and Non-Patient Accounts Receivable Accounting Contract Labor and Utilities Accounting Joint Venture Accounting Intercompany Accounting, Allocations, and Eliminations Lease Accounting Technical Accounting Health Plan Accounting Physician Group Accounting Grant Accounting This position requires a solid understanding of US GAAP. The Lead Accountant must demonstrate a thorough understanding of journal entries, evaluate their appropriateness, and communicate their impact on financial statements. Typically, this role will address higher-risk and complex areas within the assigned team, ensuring proper documentation accompanies all journal entries. The Lead Accountant is responsible for variance analysis and monthly balance sheet account reconciliations. Reporting to the Accounting Manager, this position also involves supervising and mentoring team members. The Lead Accountant will review journal entries and reconciliations made by accountants and provide targeted feedback to enhance their performance. Key responsibilities include ensuring the team meets month-end close deadlines, looking for efficiency improvements in accounting processes, leading efforts for accurate financial reporting, and collaborating with various teams. This role also includes accumulating variance analysis data for management and actively participating in financial review discussions. This role requires strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, along with proficiency in systems like Infor CloudSuite related to financial processes. Responsibilities: Exhibit leadership competencies in line with OneCHRISTUS standards. Prepare month-end journal entries adhering to US GAAP with complete and accurate supporting documents. Analyze applicable accounting guidance independently to ensure compliance with GAAP. Perform variance analysis against budgets and trends. Prepare reconciliations for balance sheet accounts. Review journal entries and reconciliations submitted by team members, providing constructive feedback. Assist in the onboarding and training of new accountants. Collaborate in analyzing month-end variance results. Identify discrepancies, propose solutions, and communicate findings to the Accounting Manager. Drive continuous process enhancements for increased efficiency. Develop and maintain productive relationships with cross-functional teams. Support management with various data requests and analyses. Job Requirements: Education/Skills: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or a related field is required. Experience: A minimum of 7 years of accounting experience is required. Experience in general ledger and healthcare accounting is preferred. Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications: Preference will be given to candidates pursuing CPA licensure; assistance may be provided for those seeking certification. Work Schedule: 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday to Friday Work Type: Full-Time