About this Lead Accountant role at Total Wine & More
About the Role
Total Wine & More is seeking a Lead Accountant, to join our Finance & Accounting team in our Bethesda, MD office. This role is responsible for leading the forecasting, analysis, tracking, reconciliation, and validation of federal excise tax credit opportunities related to eligible imported beverage gallons, including programs administered under the Craft Beverage Modernization Act (CBMA). The Lead will coordinate closely with importers, suppliers, merchandising partners, and internal finance teams to ensure accurate gallon requests, timely claim submissions, effective discrepancy resolution, and compliance with evolving regulatory requirements. In addition, this role will support monthly financial statement analysis for strategic partners, reconcile financial statements to billing structures, and drive process improvements that strengthen accuracy, efficiency, audit readiness, and overall financial workflow integrity. Advanced skills in Excel and experience with, or desire to learn Power BI will be essential for forecasting, reporting, variance analysis, and ongoing business support. While prior CBMA experience is beneficial, we encourage candidates who are eager to learn and build expertise in this specialized area. This role will report to the Sr. Manager FP&A.
You will
- Lead the development and management of the annual forecast and year over year analysis for eligible imported gallons and associated federal excise tax credits, ensuring accuracy and alignment with regulatory expectations.
- Oversee the tracking, reconciliation, and validation of imported gallon claims, coordinating with importers and internal teams to ensure timely and accurate submissions.
- Advise merchandising and importer partners by communicating gallon requests, resolving discrepancies, and maintaining compliance with evolving regulations.
- Oversee monthly financial statement analysis of strategic partners. Manage reconciliation of financial statements to billing structures to ensure alignment with Company goals.
- Drive process improvements and support audit and compliance activities, enhancing the accuracy, efficiency, and integrity of financial workflows.
You will come with
- Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field preferred or equivalent years of experience
- 3+ years of accounting, audit, corporate accounting, compliance accounting, or public accounting experience
- Strong understanding of financial statements, reconciliations, accruals, debits and credits
- Experience analyzing balance sheet and P&L discrepancies
- Advanced Excel skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration across departments and with external partners.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive with a problem-solving mindset.
- While familiarity with CBMA is helpful, we welcome candidates eager to learn this specialized knowledge.
- Experience in the beverage alcohol industry or other regulated industries.
- Familiarity with excise tax credits, regulatory filings, or experience in compliance-heavy environments.
- Background in vendor or importer relationship management.
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- Sit for long periods of time
- 5 days in office
We offer
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Generous store discounts
- Health care plans (medical, prescription, dental, vision)
- 401(k), HSA, FSA, Pre-tax commuter benefits
- Disability & life insurance coverage
- Paid parental leave
- Pet insurance
- Critical illness and accident insurance
- Discounted home and auto insurance
- College tuition assistance
- Career development & product training
- Consumer classes
- & More!
Crafted for you
We recognize our team members are our biggest asset, and we value the critical role each play in contributing to the company’s success. It is our commitment to support and provide access to the resources needed to take care of their health and wellbeing. That is why we offer a variety of benefits, tools, and resources to support through our Total Rewards program. To view our full career page, click here: https://careers.totalwine.com/!
Total Wine & More considers several factors when establishing compensation. Compensation may vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, market location, job-related knowledge, skills and/or experience. The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Estimated salaries determined by third parties have not been validated by Total Wine & More.
Total Wine & More is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Total Wine & More makes reasonable accommodations during all aspects of the employment process, including during the interview process. Total Wine & More is a Drug Free Workplace.
The information provided above indicates the general nature and level of work required of the position and is not a comprehensive list of all responsibilities or qualifications. Benefits list is only a highlight of some of the benefits offered to team members; eligibility for certain benefits apply. The anticipated close date of this posting is 120 days from the posted date indicated above.
