Accountant I

Sara Lee Corporation is a global manufacturer and marketer of high-quality, brand-name products for consumers throughout the world. The Corporation has operations in 58 countries and markets branded products in nearly 200 nations. Sara Lee Corporation employs 137,000 people worldwide. Each and every day, Sara Lee (NYSE: SLE) delights millions of consumers and customers around the world.  The company has one of the world's best-loved and leading portfolios with its innovative and trusted food, beverage, household and body care brands, including Ambi Pur, Ball Park, Douwe Egberts, Hillshire Farm, Jimmy Dean, Kiwi, Sanex, Sara Lee, and Senseo.  Collectively, these brands generate more than $12 billion in annual net sales covering approximately 200 countries.  The Sara Lee community consists of 52,000 employees worldwide. As an integral member of our Finance team, you will: Ensure that accounting transactions and processes are completed in accordance with Sara Lee and US GAAP guidelines.  Responsible for timely and accurate reporting for the SLC Global Business Reporting (GBR) monthly close EO and kit schedules as well as the annual preparation of tax packages.  Assist with balance sheet analysis including support for quarterly financial certification process and maintenance of Sarbanes Oxley internal control compliance processes. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  Prepare and post journal entries to the general ledger. Prepare and analyze financial reporting submissions to SLC including standardized requirements for GBR monthly EO schedules, quarterly and annual kit schedules, reshaping/transformation reporting, LE reporting, etc. Key participant in period and year-end closing process and financial statement review/analysis. Assist in implementation of annual tax packages for applicable legal entities. Assist in the external audit process by providing support for balance sheet reconciliations, fluctuation analyses, etc. Prepare account reconciliations and analyses of balance sheet reserves (pensions, self-insurance, medical, environmental, trade promotions, etc.).  Assist in preparing responses to inquiries from Management and IRS requests.Bachelors Degree, Major in Accounting preferred 1-3 years accounting and/or finance experience Strong system skills – especially with GBR, general ledger, transaction systems, and reporting tools (data warehouse experience helpful) Occasional travel An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer