Lead Financial Accounting & Reporting Accountant

About the role

Department: Finance Our Company Promise We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer. Job Description: As a Lead Financial Accounting & Reporting Accountant, you'll be at the center of how Southwest Airlines operates-bringing deep accounting expertise to the financial activities that keep our aircraft flying every day. You'll apply advanced GAAP knowledge to oversee complex general ledger activity, support financial and regulatory reporting, and provide accounting guidance for aircraft, leases, and critical operational costs. Serving as a trusted resource to Leaders, you'll analyze financial results, assess risk, research technical accounting guidance, and lead projects that support both strategic and operational objectives. Through indirect leadership, mentorship, and process improvement, you'll help ensure accuracy, compliance, and strong financial stewardship-connecting technical accounting rigor to real‑world airline operations. Additional details The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX Headquarters facility during business hours. U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available. We're committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics. Responsibilities Applies and possesses broad and deep knowledge of GAAP Accounting principles coupled with a solid understanding of business dynamics, dependencies, and variables. Serve as a seasoned financial resource to multiple levels of business leadership by performing complex analysis of financial results and supporting the organization in communication and collaboration with key Stakeholders. Asses risks when conducting research, evaluate financial implications to business activities, and propose options for resolution to Leaders Complete detailed review of financial statement footnotes and analysis for compliance with SEC reporting requirements Lead the Team in identifying and implementing process improvements Guide and mentor Team Members to ensure their work meets regulatory accounting guidelines Research complex regulatory reporting issues and emerging accounting pronouncements, develop procedures to address them and assess their effects on the Company's financial reporting while communicating appropriately with senior management Review of monthly and quarterly financial reports including, but not limited to, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flows, as well as DOT and other external regulatory agency reporting to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformity to reporting and procedural standards Support the business in executing its strategic/operating objectives, develop ad hoc analyses, lead special projects, and represent financial accounting and reporting on cross-functional projects May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Skilled in communicating complex accounting information fluently with diverse Stakeholders and Leaders; seamlessly adapts style to meet audience needs Skilled in acquiring data from multiple and diverse sources when conducting research and analysis Ability to take personal ownership of actions and decisions related to complex segments of the accounting function; exercises considerable latitude in determining work objectives and approaches. Ability to initiate knowledge sharing with other Finance groups Ability to ensure interdepartmental projects deliver quality results within the expected timeframe Ability to effectively communicate, written and verbally, information, and ideas using all forms of communication, learning to adjust tone, style and content to meet the audience's needs Ability to create a professional network of relationships internally and externally that are authentic and mutually beneficial Ability to respond to the needs of the Team and guide Team Members as needed to resolve issues related to projects Ability to ask insightful questions to accurately analyze complex scenarios related to internal and external reports and filings Ability to demonstrate executive presence in front of all levels of management and represent the department at cross-

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