Accountant

Company Description

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, over 50 stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

Job Description

As a Staff Accountant I on our Finance team, you'll keep the numbers behind Lakeshore's mission accurate and moving. You'll own key pieces of the monthly close cycle — journal entries, account reconciliations, and reporting — working closely with senior accountants who will help you grow. Your work directly supports the financial health of a company that puts quality learning materials into the hands of educators and families every day.

A day on the job looks like this:

• Own the preparation and posting of monthly journal entries, including accruals and reclassifications, with accurate supporting documentation
• Reconcile and analyze assigned balance sheet accounts — prepaid expenses, accrued expenses, and others — so balances are clean and well-understood at close
• Contribute to monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting packages, bringing together data that helps leadership make informed decisions
• Support the annual financial statement and collateral audit by organizing documentation and responding to auditor requests
• Partner cross-functionally on special projects and ad-hoc analyses, bringing curiosity and a willingness to dig into unfamiliar territory

Qualifications

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for: 

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field
• 2+ years of hands-on accounting experience, including exposure to month-end close
• Comfort working independently on recurring tasks while knowing when to escalate questions to senior team members
• Ability to work on-site at our Carson, CA office on a hybrid schedule

Preferred:

• Experience with SAP S/4HANA or a similar ERP system
• Active pursuit of CPA licensure