Senior Accountant-General Ledger Accounting

Senior Accountant-General Ledger Accounting

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the accounting activities of Fixed Assets of Sunrise Senior Living, Inc.'s various communities and business entities. The key role of the Senior Accountant will center on general ledger account activity and analysis of fixed assets, internal controls and procedures surrounding the fixed asset process, and the maintenance of fixed assets within our accounting systems. The Senior Accountant is also responsible for: accurate, consistent and complete reconciliation of fixed asset accounts for assigned Sunrise communities; timely documentation and clearance of identified variances; assigned monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities; and g/l account variance analysis. The ability to successfully work in a team environment, to work across multiple facets of the organization, to properly prioritize daily activities, and to understand accounting issues in a complex corporate structure is essential in this position.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1) Accounting (70%)
a. Prepare and record monthly journal entries for setting up new fixed assets and depreciation of new and existing assets.
b. Maintenance of the accounting software to ensure fixed assets are depreciating under appropriate GAAP guidelines.
c. Reconciliation of account balances to ensure accuracy of financial statements.
d. Ensure that accounting software is accurate relative to: asset life; asset descriptions; in-service dates; depreciation calculations; and disposals.
e. Take on new activities as they are assigned to the department.

2) Controls (10%)
a. Create a plan of execution (with guidance from supervisor when needed) for each material variance found in account reconciliations, and track all identified variances to be sure that they clear as anticipated.
b. Work with supervisor to implement any Sarbanes-Oxley process improvements and eliminate any control gaps.
c. Work with supervisor to document process gaps, communicate those gaps, and work through ""fixes"" to eliminate recurring bottlenecks in the reconciliation and transfer process.
d. Ensure adherence to internal controls and procedures.
e. Work toward using creative and technological solutions to better manage our workflows.

3) Reporting (20%)
a. Generate, create and analyze an assortment of reconciliation reports for fixed asset accounts.
b. Prepare analysis and disclosure for management and SEC reporting.
c. Compile reports required by external and internal audit.
d. Generate ad hoc analyses and reports as requested.

This position requires contact with many groups within SSL including, but not limited to: Accounts Payable, Project Cost, Facility Development and Owner Reporting. Therefore, it is extremely important that the candidate possess solid communication skills.
Qualifications:
A. Education
A four year Accounting Degree or equivalent is required.

B. Experience
5 years on the job accounting experience with increasing responsibility.

C. Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Accounting experience in detailed oriented, high volume business
Fixed Asset accounting and reconciliation experience in a multi-ownership - multiple business unit environment
Strong organizational skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Strong oral and written communication skills
Strong problem-solving skills
Team oriented attitude
Ability to comfortably work in an intensely deadline-oriented environment
Proven proficiency in a PC based accounting environment