The principal purpose of this position is to execute complex, technical accounting and financial reporting processes to support preparation of Darden's consolidated financial statements in accordance with the provisions of US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, as well as ensuring compliance with the requisite internal controls designed and stated in the Company's Section 404 Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) documentation. The position also provides information to support the Brands and overall corporate planning and estimate process, in addition to ad hoc analysis to support the Company's strategic decisions. The position will be utilized to develop emerging leaders for the accounting and finance areas throughout the organization.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
-Support primary accounting processes such as cash, group insurance, the flex compensation retirement plan, goodwill/tradenames, post-retirement reserves, among others, as assigned
-Support the Company's month end close process, including journal entry review and approval, as well as monthly account reconciliations
-Execute internal controls related to assigned responsibilities and processes to ensure effective internal control over financial reporting
-Ensure compliance with GAAP in the execution of assigned accounting areas
-Supervise staff accountants, review and approve their work and oversee their individual personal development
-Support special projects that impact assigned responsibilities, such as system implementations, acquisitions, divestitures, etc.
-Facilitate quarterly and annual reviews/audits with internal and external auditors, in connection with assigned responsibilities
-Engage with third party service providers in the areas of post-retirement reserves, goodwill/trade name valuation, flex compensation retirement plan and other areas, as assigned
-Research technical accounting and financial reporting guidance as needed
-Create accounting/finance models to forecast quarterly and annual financial results, including analysis of costs versus Business Plan and previous estimates
-Liaise and work collaboratively across all Brands and functions to ensure accuracy of assigned processes
-Provide ad hoc accounting/analysis to other functional areas in connection with assigned areas
REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS:
-Minimum of 3-4 years in public accounting, auditing, consulting, or equivalent experience
-Fundamental financial, statistical, and analytical capabilities
-Strong Microsoft Excel and Word skills
REQUIRED EDUCATION:
-Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance
-CPA achieved or, in process
OTHER KEY QUALIFICATIONS:
-Demonstrated self-starter, with strong organizational skills, able to work independently
-Excellent verbal and written communication skills
-Critical thinking capacity, with the ability to think high-level yet execute at the detail level
-Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally, manage multiple projects simultaneously and manage competing priorities
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
-Master's in Accounting preferred
-Proficiency with Oracle, Hyperion, Discoverer a plus
-Experience with SOX Section 404, internal control over financial reporting a plus
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