Principal Accountant

Company Description
For over 100 years, BlueScope continues to build on our reputation of quality brands and products, leading technology and a customer-first spirit. Through our global brands, we are one of the largest manufacturers of building solutions in the world. Our diverse, bright and inspired workforce is committed to bettering the communities we serve through breakthrough thinking and innovations. Your goals, ideas and perspective can help shape our future – we look forward to hearing them!   

The Principal Accountant is responsible for leading and managing the close process to ensure all financial transactions are recorded accurately and reported in a timely manner.  This position manages regional financial reporting and is responsible for preparing related deliverables and audit requests, providing technical accounting guidance and assisting with financial projects as needed.  

• Prepare and review regional journal entries, reporting templates and account reconciliations

• Prepare and manage intercompany billing process and reporting

• Manage and maintain the general ledger, ensuring accuracy and completeness of financial data

• Manage preparation and review of financial reporting deliverables for both internal and external stakeholders including audit requests

• Provide guidance on complex accounting issues and transactions

• Ensure compliance with technical accounting standards; research and implement new accounting standards and regulations

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement control standards as needed; ensure adherence to internal control standards, company policies and regulatory requirements

• Support financial system implementations and upgrades

• Direct and manage all Shared Services regional accounting setup

• Lead implementation and support of project accounting as needed

• Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiencies

• Provide financial insights and recommendations to regional leadership team

• Lead or participate in cross-functional and business unit projects as needed

• Corporate Finance team members

• Regional and North America Finance team members

• External and internal auditors

Foundational Experience

Required Qualifications & Experience: To be considered for this position, you must possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

• 10+ years accounting experience; regional or multi-location experience

Desired Qualifications: To be considered an ideal candidate, you should possess some or all the following qualifications:

• Experience managing month-end close and financial reporting processes

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment meeting monthly close and reporting deadlines

• Strong knowledge of accounting and financial reporting software

• Advanced Excel skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Strong interpersonal, analytical, communication and organizational skills

Skills and Abilities

At BlueScope we believe in investing in our employees through our Leading at BlueScope Attributes.  Below are attributes that will key to your success at BlueScope:

• Creative Problem Solver – Seeks and leverages diverse perspectives; fosters innovation and creative solutions; finds smarter solutions and uncovers value.

• Change Facilitator – Models continual improvement; seizes opportunities to adapt; is optimistic about change and motivates others in the change journey.

• Results Achiever – Delivers against continually higher levels of performance; strives for constant improvement; looks for ways to work smarter; pushes forward despite ambiguity.

• Driver of Commercial Success – Thinks and acts in the commercial interest of BlueScope; makes sound decisions to improve the balance sheet; unlocks efficiencies and opportunities for commercial advantage.

• Collaborative Partner – Seeks to understand; shares knowledge; builds/uses diverse networks for greater impact; uses a range of skills and approaches to influence others.

• Capability Builder – Prioritizes learning and development and stretch outside comfort zones; invests in strengthening capability; makes judgements that allow others to achieve their full potential.

Work Environment

• Office / cubicle workspace with moderate noise level.

• BlueScope embraces flexible working arrangements where possible and mutually agreed.

Additional Information
The preceding job responsibilities and tasks were designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by associates in this job.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all job duties and responsibilities required of associates assigned to this job.  Associates may be required to perform other duties as assigned.  Additional job competencies, individual goals, and performance measurements are set at the department level.

The benefits are just as rewarding as the work at BlueScope.  To support our goal, we offer a total compensation plan and an outstanding benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability, paid time off, and retirement. 

EEO: Employer/M/F/Disabled/Protected Veteran

BlueScope is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status, as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.