Accounting Director, Leasing

JD Sports; Indianapolis, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

JD Sports is seeking an Accounting Director, Leasing to lead the financial leasing and lease accounting for JD North America. You will ensure accuracy in ROU assets, lease liabilities, and related reporting, while partnering with Finance, Real Estate, Legal, Treasury and Operations.

The role drives process improvements, supports strategic real estate initiatives, and maintains internal controls in a fast-paced retail environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance with 8–10 years’ experience in lease accounting or financial reporting.
• MBA preferred; CPA is advantageous; experience with ASC 842 required.
• Experience with large ERP systems and strong analytical thinking is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial leasing activities and lease accounting under ASC 842 and US GAAP.
• Oversee ROU assets, lease liabilities, rent expense, and lease classifications.
• Ensure timely financial reporting and maintain SOX/compliance controls.
• Partner with Audit, Treasury, Real Estate, Legal, and Operations to improve processes.
• Drive system enhancements and internal controls for lease accounting.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Strategic communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

MBA preferred

CPA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Accounting Director, Leasing - RBS is responsible for leading the financial leasing and lease accounting functions for JD North America, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of lease accounting, financial reporting, and internal control requirements. This role oversees lease accounting processes, technical accounting guidance, financial controls, and reporting for the company's retail store and equipment lease portfolio. The Director partners cross-functionally with Finance, Real Estate, Legal, Treasury, and Operations to drive process improvements, support strategic business initiatives, monitor emerging accounting standards, and ensure effective governance, compliance, and financial stewardship across the lease portfolio.**Key Responsibilities:*** Lead all financial leasing activities and lease accounting processes in accordance with ASC 842 and U.S. GAAP.* Oversee the accounting and reporting of right-of-use (ROU) assets, lease liabilities, rent expense, occupancy costs, lease modifications, remeasurements, and lease classifications.* Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting related to lease accounting.* Review and approve lease accounting journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting documentation.* Direct quarterly lease reporting activities* Monitor evolving FASB guidance and emerging accounting standards impacting lease accounting and financial reporting.* Serve as the company's internal technical accounting expert for lease-related matters.* Maintain ASC 842 accounting policies, technical position papers, process documentation, and internal control narratives.* Ensure compliance with SOX/internal control requirements and corporate accounting policies.* Partner with Internal Audit and External Audit to support quarterly and annual audit activities.* Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of lease accounting processes and internal controls.* Ensure timely reconciliation between lease accounting systems and the general ledger.* Oversee periodic updates of the Incremental Borrowing Rate (IBR) methodology in partnership with Treasury and Finance.* Monitor lease accounting system integrity, data quality, and governance.* Drive automation and operational efficiencies through system enhancements and process improvements.* Provide financial guidance on new lease transactions, renewals, modifications, and strategic real estate initiatives.* Support mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions through lease-related financial due diligence.* Coordinate occupancy-related financial reporting and lease payment processes.* Lead the ASC 360 impairment review process for leased assets and stores.* Evaluate lease portfolio risks and provide recommendations to senior leadership.* Identify opportunities to optimize lease-related financial performance and reporting accuracy.* Ensure financial leasing activities support overall business strategy while minimizing compliance and financial risk.* Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Financial Leasing and Lease Accounting team.* Establish performance objectives, provide ongoing feedback, and support employee development.**Required Education and/or Experience:**Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance, with MBA preferred. 8-10 years of relevant work experience with experience in lease accounting, financial reporting, corporate accounting, or financial leasing. Able to manage effectively in a complex, fast-paced environment with a high sense of urgency. **Required Computer and Technical Skills:**Proficiency in all Microsoft Office equivalent programs. CPA certification is preferred, along with experience working in large ERP systems and demonstrated strengths in analytical thinking, execution, and sound decision-making.**Physical Demands:**The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.* Sit for more than 6 hours per shift* Use hands to finger, handle and feel* Reach with hands and arms* Talk and/or hear* Stand for up to 2 hours at a time periodically* Walk or move from one location to another* Occasionally may need to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch* Lift and/or move up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally* Punctuality and regular attendance consistent with the company’s policies are required for the position.* Average work week is 45-50 hours, which can vary depending on business need.* The work environment for this position is a moderately noisy office setting.*The company reserves the right to modify this job description with or without notice. Employees may be asked to perform additional duties outside of normal job scope on a temporary basis per company policy.*