Senior Accountant - Lease Accounting (Finance)

Purpose of the Position

The Senior Accountant - Lease Accounting is responsible for ensuring accurate and compliant accounting of lease transactions in accordance with applicable standards such as ASC 842. This role plays a critical part in maintaining the integrity of financial reporting by overseeing the recognition, classification, and disclosure of lease-related assets and liabilities. The position serves as a subject matter expert on lease accounting, supporting cross-functional teams and driving process improvements, system enhancements, and audit readiness. By delivering timely and precise lease accounting data, this role contributes to strategic decision-making and ensures transparency in the company's financial statements.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Exempt position.

Prepares, records, and reconciles transactions and accounts. Gathers and organizes lease-related financial data to ensure that all lease transactions are accurately calculated and ready for entry into the accounting system. Responsible for month end close duties including preparing, entering, and posting journal entries for all lease related items as well as various balance sheet accounts to keep the general ledger up to date and compliant with company policies. Reviews and analyzes the balances in lease-related accounts (e.g., lease liability, ROU asset) with supporting documentation and schedules. Identifies and resolves discrepancies, ensuring the accuracy of financial statements and audit readiness.

System and Data Management Maintains lease-related data within the company's ERP system to ensure all transactions are accurately captured and reflected in the general ledger. Responsible for validating the integrity and consistency of lease data across systems by reviewing inputs, reconciling outputs, and resolving discrepancies. Collaborates with IT and system administrators to support upgrades and enhancements that improve functionality and reporting accuracy. Ensures that lease accounting systems remain aligned with company policies and regulatory requirements, supporting accurate financial reporting and audit readiness.

Financial Reporting Supports month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes by preparing and reviewing lease-related financial data to ensure timely and accurate reporting. Responsible for compiling and analyzing lease disclosures for inclusion in financial statements, in accordance with applicable accounting standards and company policies. Assists with internal and external audits by providing detailed documentation, reconciliations, and clear explanations of lease accounting treatments. Ensures that all reporting is complete, consistent, and audit-ready, contributing to the integrity of the company's financial statements and compliance posture.

Designs, develops and recommends process improvements. Identifies inefficiencies or gaps in current lease accounting workflows and proposing practical solutions that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. Responsible for evaluating existing procedures and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement changes that streamline operations and reduce manual effort. Builds and configures tools, templates, and automated processes using the company's ERP system to support consistent and scalable lease accounting practices. Continuously monitors the effectiveness of improvements and adjusts strategies to align with evolving business needs.

Supports the finance and accounting department Partners with FP&A and other finance teams to provide lease forecasts and budget inputs by gathering, compiling, and analyzing lease-related financial data. Prepares detailed worksheets and supporting documentation to assist in planning and decision-making processes. Communicates the accounting impacts of lease decisions to stakeholders across departments, ensuring alignment with financial goals and compliance requirements. Explains and interprets data clearly to non-accounting teams, helping them understand the financial implications of lease activity. Assists with ad-hoc duties as directed by the manager, including balance sheet reviews, preparation of special reports and reconciliations, and participation in internal or external audits.

Serves as subject-matter expert in lease accounting standards changes Stays current with changes in financial regulations and accepted practices through ongoing education, professional publications, and participation in industry organizations. Responsible for researching and interpreting lease accounting guidance for complex transactions, assessing both financial impact and reporting implications. Collaborates cross-functionally with Information Services and other stakeholders to implement initial changes and drive ongoing improvements to financial systems and applications. Actively participates in the transformation process from current state to future state, ensuring full adoption of new accounting standards as part of normal business operations. Prepares and communicates implementation strategies, summarizes conclusions and actions taken, and presents findings to senior management for review and alignment. Supports compliance by establishing processes for collecting required data and coordinating necessary changes to reporting and workflows.

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Presents information to small or large groups. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Periodically physically verified assets in the plants and storage buildings. Communicates with customers, vendors, or employees via telephone, in-person or through email. Able to work in various temperatures. Move about in a manufacturing environment and surrounding property. May travel via car to various work locations.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As required by visiting facility.

Travel: May at times need to travel to and from multiple facilities or work-sites, possibly requiring overnight stays.

Technical Experience: 3-5 years experience in accounting, preference for lease accounting and ERP system experience.

Industry Experience: Preference for manufacturing organization.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business or related field.

Preferred Education: Professional accounting designation.

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.