Great Wolf Lodge Looking for Senior Lodge Accountant at Chicago, IL  Full Time

Job Summary: This role is based in Chicago, IL and supports the Shared Services Accounting team. Responsibilities include participating in the month end close and related complex transaction processing, reviewing and verifying the accuracy of financial statement accounts, and performing complex reconciliations of general ledger accounts; also leads staff members on various tasks and projects.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate monthly general ledger close with other accountants
• Prepare complex journal entries and account reconciliations
• Review and approve journal entries and account reconciliations
• Ensure proper cut-off and accounting for assigned accounts
• Prepare financial statements and schedules for internal reporting
• Compile schedules to be used by outside auditors in their reviews and year-end audit
• Lead shared services staff in gathering audit support and interacting with external auditors
• Assist with establishing, implementing and documenting policies and procedures
• Review fixed asset ledger inputs for each property with accordance of our Fixed Asset policy
• Establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with internal customers and lodges
• Conduct risk assessment of balance sheet accounts and help maintain balance sheet account reconciliation policy
• Assist with monthly flux analyses
• Utilize computer applications to compile, retrieve and summarize accounting information for analyses and reporting purposes
• Lead more complex accounting projects and initiatives with other accounting pack members.
• Support the success of a high-performing shared service organization by focusing on continuous improvements and automation in business processes
• Train, support, and mentor staff accountants
• Document and ensure standardization in processes and procedures
• Ownership of sales & use tax filings, including keeping up to date with individual state and local tax (SALT) policy regulations
• Proactively provide sound business advice on lodge accounting activities, with appropriate guidance from leadership
• Assist with ad-hoc projects as they arise

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting
• Minimum of 3 – 5 years of relevant and progressive accounting experience
• Ability to be based out of Great Wolf’s Chicago Corporate Office (currently on a hybrid work schedule that is subject to change)
• Strong accounting and analytical background
• Attention to detail and able to complete tasks with high level of accuracy
• Demonstrated skill in completing and recording complex financial transactions. Able to aid in developing information for financial statements and balance sheet reconciliations
• Demonstrated ability to reconcile complex balance sheet accounts
• Demonstrated proficiency using accounting software and other applicable financial software
• Highly skilled in Microsoft Excel — macros, v-lookups, and pivot tables
• High level of organization and ability to manage to deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to consistently manage competing priorities

Preferred Experience

• CPA (or in the process of obtaining their certification) a plus
• Combination of public accounting and industry is ideal
• Strong commitment to providing excellence in client service and a demonstrated ability to produce high quality results
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other team members
• Team player — prior experience in Shared Service Center highly desirable
• Prior experience working in the hospitality industry and/or working with an ERP accounting system a plus