Lead Accountant

LCS; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Disability

401(K) with company match

Paid parental leave

Vacation

Job summary

LCS is seeking a Lead Accountant to oversee key accounting processes and coordinate the monthly close across multiple stakeholders.

You will mentor accountants, ensure GAAP compliance, review complex entries, and drive process improvements and internal controls.

This role requires strong analytical skills, top-notch communication, and proficiency with Excel and accounting systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent.
• 4–6 years of progressive accounting, reporting, audit, or finance experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience owning significant areas of the financial close process.
• Demonstrated ability to review complex accounting transactions and identify accounting risks.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Own significant accounting processes and major account areas within the monthly close cycle.
• Coordinate close activities and ensure timely completion of deliverables across accounting stakeholders.
• Review complex journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules.
• Analyze financial results and identify trends, risks, or unusual transactions requiring further review.
• Serve as a resource for accounting staff on technical accounting and reporting matters.
• Facilitate resolution of complex accounting issues and reconciliations.
• Lead preparation of audit schedules and coordinate responses to auditor requests.
• Assist in development, documentation, and enhancement of accounting procedures and internal controls.
• Train, mentor, and provide day‑to‑day guidance to Accountants and Senior Accountants.
• Participate in system implementations, acquisitions, transitions, and special projects.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, consistency, and control effectiveness.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Communication skills

Mentoring and development

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Tools

Excel

Accounting systems

Job description

Lead Accountant

Job Description

The Lead Accountant is responsible for leading key accounting processes and serving as a subject matter resource for assigned accounting areas. This role oversees complex accounting activities, coordinates close responsibilities across multiple stakeholders, and drives process standardization and continuous improvement efforts. The Lead Accountant provides technical guidance to accounting staff and helps ensure accounting accuracy, compliance, and operational effectiveness. This role performs work under minimal supervision and handles complex issues and problems, referring only the most complex issues to higher-level staff.

What You’ll Do

• Own significant accounting processes and major account areas within the monthly close cycle.
• Coordinate close activities and ensure timely completion of deliverables across accounting stakeholders.
• Review complex journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules.
• Analyze financial results and identify trends, risks, or unusual transactions requiring further review.
• Serve as a resource for accounting staff on technical accounting and reporting matters.
• Facilitate resolution of complex accounting issues and reconciliations.
• Lead preparation of audit schedules and coordinate responses to auditor requests.
• Assist in development, documentation, and enhancement of accounting procedures and internal controls.
• Train, mentor, and provide day‑to‑day guidance to Accountants and Senior Accountants.
• Participate in system implementations, acquisitions, transitions, and special projects.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, consistency, and control effectiveness.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent experience.
• 4–6 years of progressive accounting, reporting, audit, or finance experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience owning significant areas of the financial close process.
• Demonstrated ability to review complex accounting transactions and identify accounting risks.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to influence peers and coordinate work across functional teams.
• Advanced Excel and accounting systems expertise.
• Experience mentoring and developing accounting professionals.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Possesses comprehensive knowledge of subject matter.

Why Join Us?

Industry Leader. Inclusive & collaborative culture. Top Workplace USA. Top Workplace Iowa. Charity and community involvement. Outstanding advancement opportunities. Ongoing career development.

Benefits

Competitive pay, great benefits and vacation time. We are an equal opportunity employer with benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, disability, 401(K) with company match and paid parental leave.

Our Commitment

LCS creates living experiences that enhance the lives of seniors. You’ll see this commitment in our people. They’re talented, dedicated professionals who truly care about residents, with each conducting his or her work with integrity, honesty and transparency according to the principles of LCS. We strive to help every community succeed—strengthening available resources, establishing proven practices that lead to long‑term growth and value for those living in, working for and affiliated with the community. Check us out on our website: https://www.lcsliving.com

Additional Information

Travel frequency: 0–10%
Estimated Salary: $74,000 - $93,000
The actual title & salary will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors.
Post‑offer Background Check, Including References Is Required.

LCS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.