Vice President, Controller

Education - It's in Our DNA At Barnes & Noble Education (“BNED”) we are dedicated to making tomorrow a better, more inclusive, and smarter world by servicing all who work in education. As a leading solutions provider for the education industry, we are committed to driving affordability, accessibility, and achievement at hundreds of academic institutions nationwide by ensuring millions of students are equipped for success in the classroom and beyond. Together, our teams work to elevate lives through education. We are seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Vice President, Controller to lead and manage the financial closing process, including the production and analysis of the monthly financial reporting package. In this role, you will oversee the daily responsibilities of the accounting staff, ensure adherence to accounting policies and internal control procedures, and support the reconciliation of significant balance sheet and P&L accounts. You’ll coordinate the annual year-end audit with external auditors and spearhead special projects aimed at improving financial and operational efficiency. This role demands strong leadership, analytical expertise, and a dedication to optimizing financial processes at a high level. How You'll Make an Impact Oversee financial activities, including accounting, contract administration and tax. Ensure the timely completion of the monthly close and deliver accurate monthly financial reporting packages to support operational and strategic decision-making. Serve as a proactive member of senior management, providing financial insights and implications to guide the company’s strategic direction and initiatives. Formulate and maintain accounting policies and financial operational procedures aligned with GAAP, ensuring accountability, minimizing expenses, and optimizing long-term financial benefits. Provide thorough financial controls and reporting procedures to ensure data integrity and timely information for decision-making. Spearhead the ongoing enhancement of financial and operational systems. Responsible for quarterly and annual SEC filing process Provide technical accounting research and write technical whitepapers for auditors. Ensure the accurate and timely filing of all tax returns (sales, property, income) and maintain a strong relationship with tax authorities and external auditors. Serve as the principal contact for external audits, overseeing the audit process, managing documentation, and implementing recommendations as needed. Support contract administration team and lease accounting process. Build and lead a high-performing accounting team, setting performance standards and fostering a collaborative, results-driven environment. Provide mentorship, coaching, and career development opportunities to strengthen team capabilities and support the achievement of departmental and organizational goals. Additional responsibilities as required. What You'll Need to Succeed Minimum of 10 years of senior level accounting experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field, MBA is highly preferred Certifed Public Accounting (CPA) certification Experience in Big 4 public accounting to Fortune 500 environments. Strong proficiency in GAAP, P/L, and SOX with a solid foundation in accounting and financial principles. Demonstrated leadership abilities with proven success in mentoring and developing teams. Expert-level Excel skills, including advanced proficiency in formulas, pivot tables, complex data modeling, macros, and VBA (Visual Basic for Applications); capable of performing sophisticated data analysis, automating processes, and building dynamic financial models for strategic planning and forecasting. Expertise in General Ledger, ERP systems, Sales Audit Systems, and bank reconciliation software; PeopleSoft financials experience is a plus. Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. Highly detail-oriented, meticulous, and proactive, with a strong focus on strategic planning and forecasting. Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate effectively across departments. Experience in contract or lease administration desirable. Knowledge of XBRL and SEC reporting tools (e.g., Wdesk) is a plus. Note: This is a hybrid role requiring a mix of in-office attendance at our Basking Ridge, NJ location and remote work. Applicants must be within a commutable distance to the Basking Ridge, NJ area. How We Elevate Our Employees We believe your success is our success, so our benefits package is designed specifically to support you in every aspect of your life. At BNED, we offer a variety of programs and resources to support the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our employees by offering a competitive total rewards package for full-time employees, which includes medical, dental, and vision plans, 401k match, life insurance, commuter benefits, paid time off with paid holidays, and a broad range of other benefits. The hiring rate for this position is $225,000-$275,600 and is bonus-eligible. The actual pay may vary based on factors such as professional experience, skills, and competencies. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion At Barnes & Noble Education we empower everyone. Our mission is to support students, faculty, and schools, serving as a catalyst to meet the evolving needs of the education system and a new generation of students. That starts with fostering an environment for our employees where diversity and individuality is celebrated. Barnes & Noble Education is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. In the spirit of inclusivity, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ethnicity, ability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, nationality, protected veteran status, race, religion or sexual orientation. Job Locations US-NJ-BASKING RIDGE ID 2024-15442 Category Finance & Accounting Position Type Regular FT