Brand Accountant (US) for International Fitness Franchisor

Franchisor (of international Franchise Brand) is looking for someone to bring their US accounting expertise to their Franchisor team. This is a new role and will be the first accounting role in the United States for this company. The goal for the role is to transition away from 3rd party accounting providers and bring the accounting function in-house. The role is a full-cycle accounting role that will encompass accounting and financial management, producing financial statements, state and federal tax compliance, and budgeting/analysis. As well as providing support for external auditors as needed. As the company expands in the US, so will the accounting department. This role will be pivotal in building and overseeing this team.

This position will work alongside the Global Support Office, where they have Franchise Development, Operations, Finance, and Marketing departments to help support existing, in-development and future operating locations. You will not be alone in the States and will join forces with the US-based Franchise Sales Manager and Franchise Performance Coach to collaborate on ideas, sync expansion stages, and provide financial expertise to franchisees as they launch their first locations. This role reports directly to the Head of Finance at the Global Support Office.

Having a robust understanding of GAAP, state/federal tax compliance, and analytical skills is a pivotal part of this position. It??s the perfect fit for an accounting professional who is a self-starter, wants to join a growing and fun brand, loves working with a company that transcends multiple states, and aspires to support franchise owners.

The ability to travel to Australia within the first 90 days to meet the international team is preferred. (all expenses paid)

RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting and Financial Management:
?? Prepare and maintain accurate financial records in compliance with USA GAAP.
?? Manage day-to-day bookkeeping, including reconciliations, journal entries, and ledger maintenance.
?? Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll processing.

State and Federal Tax Compliance:
?? Manage multi-jurisdictional tax compliance, including state registrations and reporting requirements.
?? Oversee sales tax calculations, filings, and remittances across multiple states, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
?? Stay updated on changes in tax laws and regulations to minimize liabilities and ensure compliance.
?? Assist in responding to tax audits or inquiries from government authorities.
?? Lead preparation and review stages of Corporate Tax Return filings with 3rd party.

Budgeting and Financial Planning:
?? Create and manage annual budgets, working closely with department heads.
?? Monitor actual performance against budgets and provide variance analysis with actionable recommendations.
?? Support strategic initiatives through long-term financial planning and scenario analysis.

Annual Financial Statements and Audit Support:
?? Prepare annual financial statements in accordance with regulatory standards.
?? Coordinate with external auditors, providing documentation and addressing inquiries to ensure timely audits.

Microsoft Excel Proficiency:
?? Utilize intermediate to advanced Excel skills for data analysis, financial modeling, and reporting.
?? Create pivot tables, use VLOOKUP, build advanced formulas, and generate automated reports.

Process Improvement:
?? Streamline financial processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.
?? Implement best practices in tax compliance, financial reporting, and forecasting.

JOB DETAILS

Outside of Responsibilities Scope
?? Report to Head of Finance during reoccurring touch-bases
?? Participate in bi-weekly global team meetings (these meetings might be later in the day given time-zone difference)
?? Maintain impeccable accounting accuracy and consistency in reporting.
?? Collaborate with operations to support setting up a strong financial base for franchisees (ie: standard chart of accounts, general reporting process, understanding key metrics, and reviewing P&L data.
?? Learn all technology platforms used by global office.
?? Collaborate with other departments to ensure internal alignment on new programs.
?? With support of country-based consultants support future growth and management of Canadian finances.
?? Communicate impeccably - Never miss an in-person or virtual appointment without clear professional communication.
?? Flexibility to work flexible hours (particularly for international meetings) as US nights are typically mornings in Australia.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a fully comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the team member. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may be assigned.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICAITONS

The ideal person will be a current CPA, Staff Accountant, Senior Accountant or Assistant Controller for a multi-state brand, with a proven ability to support all accounting and compliance needs. The ideal candidate is someone who can be a one-person team (in the short term) with the support of an international team. They will possess the ability to unpack and organize information and data efficiently. This person will have a high attention to detail and be able to meet reporting deadlines.

This person should enjoy working in growth stage mode where personal drive and accountability are key to success. The perfect fit is passionate about culture and team success, with great communication skills, impeccable follow-through ability, and the ability to manage multiple projects across multiple locations. This person should be a positive glass-half-full type, enjoy working in a remote and international environment, and embrace being one of three USA-based team members in the beginning.
?? 5+ years of experience in progressive roles of increasing accounting responsibility
?? 3+ years of Franchise, Multi-State, Restuarant or Chain Store experience
?? Bachelor??s degree in economics, finance or accounting
?? Strong understanding of local, state, and federal taxes
?? Demonstrated ability to support year end audits
?? Ability to engage, influence, and guide franchisees on financial performance and unit economics
?? Proven ability to communicate, influence and lead a future team
?? Keen financial insight & vision with an established ability to see trends before they take shape, and make recommendations to navigate
?? Ability to thrive in a remote environment while self-managing and prioritizing tasks
?? Comfortable in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, and rapidly changing environment
?? Extremely hands-on with proven ability to lead multiple projects
?? Possesses a repeatable and consistent accounting framework
?? Knowledge and ability to use digital tools for collaborations, documentation, reporting and accounting
?? Intermediate working knowledge of MS Office Suite (such as, PowerPoint, and Word)
?? Advanced working knowledge of Excel

CHARACTER
?? Achievement-oriented and internally motivated to deliver accurate, timely, and compliant results
?? Problem solver who seeks win/win solutions
?? Stick-to-itiveness - has grit and is not easily discouraged
?? Autonomous - Ability to set goals, break down barriers, establish timelines, manage risk, create and stick to budgets
?? Adaptability and flexibility, able to respond quickly to changing demands, processes, and information
?? Active listener and Team Player
?? Consistent, Reliable, and Trustworthy

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