Manager, Lodge Accounting

Job Summary: This role is in the Chicago-based Lodge Accounting Team.Responsibilities that include leading the Lodge Accounting Team, reviewing and assisting in the preparation of the monthly, quarterly, and year-end financials, schedules and reconciliations. Providing mentorship for the Lodge Accounting Team, fostering a culture that is reflective of Great Wolf's Values.Analyzing and recording recurring, non-recurring and/or technically complex business transactions. Developing, maintaining, and monitoring accounting policies and procedures. Serve as lead on various accounting operational projects, in addition to daily responsibilities.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee general accounting work for all GWR operating properties, including management of their monthly financial close
• Manage processes and a team of five direct reports, to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, including reconciliations and financial analysis
• Develop and retain accounting staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees
• Manage team performance through coaching, planning, monitoring, and appraising job results
• Facilitate and drive process standardization, optimization, and consistent reporting and analysis of shared services activities for GWR properties; identify and implement changes to reduce cycle time
• Build relationships and support GWR finance leaders at the properties
• Act as Lodge Accounting point of contact for GWR properties for escalations and urgent matters related to general ledger / accounting processes
• Maintain, enforce and enhance GWR property processes, including streamlining and improving the quality of inputs to Shared Services processes
• Guide financial decisions by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing policies and procedures
• Ownership of sales & use tax filings, including keeping up to date with individual state and local tax (SALT) policy regulations
• Protect operations by keeping financial information and plans confidential
• Assist with ad-hoc projects as they arise

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and CPA certification required
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive accounting experience
• Proven track record of team management
• Demonstrated strong technical accounting knowledge, including US GAAP
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to work with all levels of management and employees; ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities
• Demonstrated strong analytical skills with the ability to problem solve and use technology to improve the efficiency of the team
• Demonstrated proficiency in using accounting systems, implementation of corporate financial practices, and analysis of financial and operating information for management to facilitate decision-making
• Proficient in using accounting software and highly skilled in Microsoft Excel - macros, v-lookups, and pivot tables
• Ability to work from our Chicago Corporate Headquarters on a hybrid-remote work schedule (M/F optional work from home and T/W/TH in-office)

Preferred Qualifications:

• A combination of public and industry experience
• Experience with a major theme park or brand hotel
• Experience in a shared service environment, and the ability to occasionally travel

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.