Principal Technical Accountant

About the position

The Principal Technical Accountant is the subject matter expert in technical accounting and financial reporting at Alaska Airlines, with a special emphasis in executing accounting for complex financial areas. As an individual contributor, this role defines long-term complex posture for technical accounting and exercises initiative and considerable latitude in owning the preparation, maintenance, and improvement for lease accounting at Alaska.

Responsibilities

• Subject matter expert over complex or high-visibility accounting subjects, leveraging technical knowledge and relationships to identify, document and execute on accounting issues, communicate results of analyses effectively, and oversee staff accountants preparing complementary work.
• Executes periodic budgeting and forecasting for owned technical areas, gathering respective inputs, delivering updates and effectively communicating results to executive leadership.
• Manages and prepares quarterly and annual disclosures to be reported on Forms 10-Q and 10-K, including narrative updates with inclusion of new or unusual transactions entered into during the fiscal year.
• Executes in partnership with the Manager, External Reporting, in preparing technical accounting memos for new or unusual transactions.
• Clearly and concisely communicates results of accounting analyses to senior leadership, including rationale for conclusions and impact on financial results.
• Owns improving overall posture of technical accounting, including creation and maintenance of technical accounting repository, identification of technical areas, and setting and tracking adherence to guidelines for documentation.
• Proactively identifies opportunities for process improvement and new utilization of technology, and partners with stakeholders throughout the business to implement new procedures.
• Influences across company and several levels up to ensure accounting practices are in compliance with company policies.
• Manages and recommends the evaluation of new accounting pronouncements or SEC guidelines to advise on the impact to the company.
• Participates in quarterly and annual external audit process.

Requirements

• 6 years of experience in public accounting, or mix of public and corporate accounting, public company audit, or related area.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
• Bachelor's degree with a focus in accounting, business, or related field, or an additional two years of relevant training/experience in lieu of this degree.
• Experience with internal controls.
• Strong understanding of accounting theory and practices.
• Demonstrates technical knowledge of accounting procedures and a strong understanding of GAAP.
• Detail oriented, self-motivated, organized and able to work efficiently and accurately under pressure to meet deadlines.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum age of 18.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice-to-haves

• Workiva or Blackline experience.
• Public accounting experience.

Benefits

• Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines & Horizon Air
• Comprehensive well-being programs including medical, dental and vision benefits
• Generous 401k match program
• Quarterly and annual bonus plans
• Generous holiday and paid time off