Senior Lease Accountant (Hybrid - Chicago/Nashville)

Our Customer is a leading provider of alternative and specialty parts to repair and accessorize automobiles and other vehicles with operations in North America, Europe, and Taiwan. They offer their customers a broad range of replacement systems, components, equipment, and parts to repair and accessorize automobiles, trucks, and recreational and performance vehicles.

We are seeking a Senior Lease Accountant for the global administration and reporting of all facility, vehicle, and equipment lease accounting activities for the company.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation, coordination, and maintenance of lease documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with ASC 842.
• Oversee the entry and ongoing maintenance of lease data within the lease accounting system, ensuring integrity and alignment with contractual terms.
• Apply advanced ASC 842 knowledge to review and determine lease classification and treatment, including complex arrangements and modifications.
• Manage lease-related activities during monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close cycles, including preparation, review, and approval of journal entries.
• Review and validate lease schedules in the Lease Accounting Application for consistency with source documents and accounting standards.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in reviewing lease agreements and interpreting terms for proper accounting treatment.
• Perform and review detailed reconciliations of lease-related balance sheet accounts; investigate and resolve discrepancies proactively.
• Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements and automation opportunities to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members to ensure adherence to controls and policies.
• Act as a key liaison with cross-functional teams (Real Estate, Fleet and Logistics, Legal, FP&A) to ensure accurate lease data capture.
• Monitor and respond to lease-related inquiries, escalating issues when necessary and ensuring timely resolution.
• Prepare and review audit schedules for internal and external audits; serve as primary contact for lease-related audit requests.
• Stay current on accounting guidance, regulatory changes, and best practices in lease accounting, updating policies and processes as needed.
• Support strategic initiatives and special projects, including system upgrades, M&A activity, and policy updates.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• 5+ years of relevant accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge and experience applying ASC 842 lease accounting standards.
• Solid knowledge of U.S. GAAP and related accounting regulations.
• Ability to document processes, formulate policies, and implement controls.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; strong skills in Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and databases.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills for complex accounting matters.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to train others, collaborate across teams, and present to management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with moderate complexity.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management skills.

Preferred:

• CPA certification.
• Experience with FinQuery Lease software.
• Corporate accounting experience.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Work is primarily sedentary; must be able to sit for extended periods and use a computer, keyboard, and mouse.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Periodic travel, including overnight stays, may be required.

Hours and Location:

• M-F 40 hours/week
• Hybrid in Chicago, IL, or Nashville, TN. Periodic travel required, including overnight stays as needed

Benefits:

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 401 (k) with Generous Company Match
• Company Paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
• Short-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts