Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant – Lifeway Foods, Inc.

Position Overview

Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY), which has been recognized as one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies, is America’s leading supplier of the probiotic beverage known as kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable kefir, the company also produces cheese, frozen kefir for quick-service restaurants, and a ProBugs line of kefir for kids. Lifeway’s tart and tangy fermented dairy products are sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. 

Lifeway Foods is seeking a Senior Accountant to join the Accounting team at the headquarters in Morton Grove, IL.  As our Senior Accountant, you will report to the Controller and interact closely with a team that is dedicated to excellence.   This role is responsible for creating and recording journal entries, account reconciliations, maintaining compliance with internal controls, assisting with financial reporting requirements, ensuring both an accurate and efficient financial close process and meeting required deadlines.  This role will contribute broadly across both accounting and other functions within the organization and has the opportunity to take on greater responsibilities over time.   This role will have the opportunity to improve processes, add efficiencies, and be involved in strategic decisions. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Obtain and maintain a thorough understanding of the business operations, general ledger activity, and financial reporting structure for four reporting entities.
• Month end close activities which include journal entries, analysis, reclassifications, allocations, and account reconciliations.
• Prepare internal revenue reporting on a weekly and ad-hoc basis
• Analyze and explain differences between current and prior period departmental expenses
• Support an effective control environment, including the use of proper accounting methods, policies, process, and principles, to ensure compliance with SOX.
• Support the quarterly internal and external audits process.
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve business results.
• Assists with ad hoc projects assigned by senior management including analysis of business operations, proposed accounting treatment of unusual transactions or other accounting and finance related matters.

Qualification and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting required
• 2-5 years of related accounting experience. Experience in a public accounting is a plus
• CPA or CPA candidate a plus
• Microsoft Navision experience a plus, but not required
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Advanced in Excel and proficient in Word
• Time-management, organizational skills, and strict attention to detail are a must
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work independently and with others to meet deadlines
• Must exhibit strong sense of ownership, accountability, and desire to excel.

This summary should not be construed to be all inclusive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working condition associated with a job. While the description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary Lifeway Foods, Inc. is a growing Chicago based beverage manufacturer with over 25 years of experience. We are an industry leader in production of high quality Kefir. We are an equal opportunity employer and offer a competitive benefits package. Visit us at www.lifewaykefir.com