Senior Staff Accountant, Royalty Accounting

Purpose: The Senior Staff Accountant, Royalty Accounting manages the complete royalty accounting cycle including month-end and year-end close processes, journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial analysis. This role ensures accurate and timely financial reporting while maintaining compliance with GAAP standards and strengthening internal controls across all royalty-related transactions.

Essential Functions:

• Performs account analysis, reconciliations, and variance analysis to ensure timely follow-up and resolution of issues and discrepancies across all royalty accounting activities
• Prepares, reviews, and posts journal entries related to royalty accounting transactions; completes monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities including financial reporting packages with accuracy
• Analyzes royalty payment structures, contractual terms, and revenue recognition requirements; reviews and validates royalty calculations, payment schedules, and accruals for compliance with GAAP, company policies, and contractual obligations
• Communicates effectively with wide range of internal and external stakeholders including field location, licensors, licensees, and brand partners regarding royalty payments, statements, and accounting inquiries
• Identifies and recommends process improvements to create efficiencies to daily tasks; implements internal controls to strengthen the integrity of financial data and enhance the accuracy of royalty accounting operations
• Assists with preparation of audit schedules and responds to internal and external audit requests; supports compliance activities related to royalty accounting functions
• Collaborates with Legal, Operations, and Business Development to interpret and implement royalty accounting terms

Reporting Relationship: The Senior Staff Accountant, Royalty Accounting reports into the Senior Manager of Accounting

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Work Environment:

• Education and Experience: The combination of education and professional experience must exceed 6 years:
  • In a technical role: Requires 6 years of accounting experience engaged in delivering royalty accounting programs
  • A bachelor’s degree in a program related to the functional area can count for 3 of the 6-year requirement
  • In the industry: 3-5 years of hospitality, F&B and/or retail experience
• Specialized Training:
  • Training that leads to understanding of GAAP
  • Knowledge of state and federal tax regulations and statutes
• Specialized Skillset/Competencies/Traits
  • Familiarity with ERP Systems
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and data analysis tools
  • Understanding of royalty accounting principles and revenue recognition standards
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail
  • Proactive approach to identifying issues and implementing solutions
  • Business acumen and also has the mindset required to understand the long-term implications of accounting to advance the organization’s goals
  • Demonstrated history of understanding the needs of the business, stakeholders, the employee population, and individual circumstances
  • Demonstrated history of creating and maintaining positive work environments
  • Location: This position is based at the North America Support Center in Bethesda, MD