Accounting & Reporting Lead

Job Description:

This role is responsible for end-to-end accounting and reporting activities owned by Mars Global Services Finance North America (MGSF), supporting either VCA, Banfield, or Blue Pearl. The role supports accounting processes; provides timely and accurate reporting of financial results and analysis of accounting activities through the knowledge and application of Mars accounting policies and principles, US GAAP, applicable local government regulations, and Mars transaction-processing system to meet the Process and Control Standards requirements (PACS). 

The role owns the period-end process, reporting and balance sheet analysis and ensures the accounting integrity and accuracy of all accounting and reporting transactions.  

This role will also oversee the effectiveness of internal controls for all accounting and reporting transactions and ensures that the appropriate accounting procedures are followed. Associate will work with corporate controllership team to understand new reporting requirements and supports new system enhancements/Improvements. Associate is expected to become expert in Record to Report processes and provide valuable insights to the business units as well as support process improvements, automation/digitalization and standardization as directed by the R2R Closing & Reporting Lead - MVH or R2R Regional Director. 

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting 
• CPA/MBA a plus 
• Master’s degree in Accounting a plus 
• 5-8 years of business experience with deep understanding of our finance processes and systems 

• In-depth knowledge of General Accounting and Reporting best practices, processes, and internal controls  

• Experience with structuring and managing projects/project management skills is a plus 

What will be your key responsibilities?

Manage Accounting Processes: 

• Organize work activities and resources for team members to comply with necessary financial activities related to accounting, reporting and period close process for our most complex business. 

• Facilitate communications across MGSF Financial Operations upstream teams/Corporate teams/Business Units to build strong collaborative relationships and ensure service levels and metrics are met and exceeded. 

• Lead improvements in closing and reporting processes and metrics.  Lead presentations to segment Controllers, CFOs or S&F Managers as required. 

• Lead special projects and analyses as requested by Senior MGSF Management. 

• Support the MGSF Global Transformation team and digital initiatives as required. 

• Perform ad-hoc financial analysis and make technical accounting recommendations to business challenges, as required. 

MGSF Operations: 

• Serve as primary point of contact for any accounting and reporting considerations from BUs and audit teams for most complex business. 

• Initiate and manage smooth transitioning of tasks, processes, and other activities from the BUs into MGSF (Take-On Management). 

• Create and develop effective/mutual co-piloting relationship with supported BUs (internal customers). 

• Lead full Closing & Reporting cycles from SAP Ledger Closure to One Stream Reporting Submissions. 

• Navigate and solve complex challenges leveraging E2E R2R knowledge.  

• Process Improvements - Make recommendations on continuous improvement of established processes and procedures and design new processes to ensure that internal control requirements are met. Ensure compliance to current Process and Control Standards (PACS) 

• Business Improvement – Recommend and drive changes or improvements to business practices as they relate to technical accounting to ensure the overall efficiency of the department. 

• Audit Process – Ensure adequate processes and procedures within the Accounting and Reporting group to maintain a seamless interim and year-end audit.  Support external and internal audit engagements as it relates to functional area. 

• Manage and monitor adherence to general accounting Mars Finance policy and required practices. 

Service Levels & Metrics: 

• Responsible for meeting and exceeding Service Level Agreements, Accounting and Reporting metrics and customer expectations. 

• Manage and review results with senior management for the following metrics:  

• Close Tasks Completed on Time  

• Timeliness of closing and reporting 

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.