Lead Accountant (Dallas, TX)

Lead Accountant

Position Overview

The Lead Accountant is responsible for overseeing complex accounting activities, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records, and supporting timely financial reporting in accordance with applicable accounting standards and internal policies. This role provides technical accounting expertise, leads month-end and year-end close activities, strengthens internal controls, and drives continuous improvement across accounting operations.

The Lead Accountant works closely with Finance, Operations, and organizational leadership to analyze financial results, resolve complex accounting issues, and provide actionable insights that support business decisions. This individual also serves as a key resource for the accounting team, mentoring and developing team members while promoting accuracy, accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong technical accounting expertise, proven leadership abilities, and excellent analytical and communication skills. They are proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of managing competing priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations & Financial Reporting

• Lead the preparation and review of complex journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable accounting standards and company policies.
• Oversee general ledger activities and ensure financial transactions are properly recorded, classified, and documented.
• Investigate complex accounting discrepancies, identify root causes, and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Review financial records and supporting documentation to maintain the integrity of accounting data.
• Ensure accounting activities are completed accurately and within established reporting deadlines.
• Provide guidance on complex accounting transactions and ensure consistent application of accounting principles across the organization.

Month-End & Year-End Close

• Lead and coordinate month-end and year-end close activities to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Review closing schedules, journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and other supporting documentation.
• Monitor close progress, identify potential delays, and coordinate with relevant stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues.
• Establish and maintain standardized closing procedures to improve consistency and efficiency across business units.
• Evaluate closing processes and implement improvements to reduce errors, streamline workflows, and strengthen reporting accuracy.

Technical Accounting & Compliance

• Serve as a primary technical resource for complex accounting matters, including the interpretation and application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Research accounting guidance and evaluate the appropriate treatment of complex transactions.
• Develop, implement, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and documentation aligned with applicable standards and organizational requirements.
• Ensure accounting practices comply with relevant regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Advise team members and business stakeholders on accounting implications, reporting requirements, and internal control procedures.
• Identify potential accounting risks and recommend appropriate solutions to maintain compliance and financial integrity.

Financial Analysis & Business Partnership

• Analyze financial results, account balances, trends, and variances to identify risks, opportunities, and areas requiring further investigation.
• Prepare and review financial analyses and reports to support management decision-making.
• Translate complex accounting and financial information into clear, actionable insights for leadership.
• Collaborate with Finance, Operations, and other departments to address financial issues and improve business performance.
• Provide recommendations to improve financial processes, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.
• Support organizational planning and strategic initiatives through reliable financial information and analysis.

Audit Support & Internal Controls

• Coordinate and support internal and external audits by preparing complex analyses, account schedules, and supporting documentation.
• Respond to auditor inquiries and help resolve audit findings or outstanding accounting questions.
• Evaluate existing accounting controls and identify opportunities to strengthen control effectiveness.
• Develop and implement procedures to improve compliance, reduce financial reporting risks, and ensure accurate recordkeeping.
• Monitor adherence to established accounting policies and internal controls.
• Support the development of corrective action plans to address control deficiencies and prevent recurring issues.

Process Improvement & Systems Optimization

• Identify and lead initiatives to improve accounting processes, reporting workflows, and operational efficiency.
• Develop and implement process standardization and automation initiatives to reduce manual work and improve accuracy.
• Evaluate accounting systems and tools to identify opportunities for improved functionality and reporting.
• Establish best practices for documentation, reconciliations, financial reporting, and close management.
• Monitor the effectiveness of implemented improvements and recommend further enhancements as needed.
• Promote continuous improvement and the adoption of efficient, consistent accounting practices.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and training to accountants and senior accountants.
• Review team members’ work to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with accounting standards and internal procedures.
• Help resolve complex accounting issues and support the professional development of team members.
• Establish clear expectations for work quality, deadlines, and accountability.
• Encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning across the accounting team.
• Support the development and implementation of training materials, accounting procedures, and best practices.
• Foster a culture of integrity, professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 6–8 years of experience in accounting, finance, general ledger management, financial reporting, or a related field.
• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex accounting processes and reviewing financial reporting deliverables.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting requirements, and internal control principles.
• Extensive experience with journal entries, account reconciliations, general ledger management, and financial statement preparation.
• Proven experience leading month-end and year-end close activities.
• Experience researching and resolving complex accounting issues.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, train, and support the development of accounting professionals.
• Experience supporting internal and external audits and maintaining audit-ready documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with accounting systems or enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex accounting matters to various stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• High standards of integrity, accountability, accuracy, and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.