Lead Financial Accounting & Reporting Accountant

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. 

• 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

• 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-functional meetings
• Ability to uncover the root causes to resolve complex issues and problems beyond the direct area of responsibility
• Ability to demonstrate a high degree of emotional intelligence and respond to the unique communication needs of Stakeholders, including diffusing conflict and fostering productive discussions

Education

• Required: High School Diploma or GED

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance

Experience

• Expert level experience, expansive and far reaching knowledge in:

  • Accounting principles and practices

  • Financial statements and reports

Licensing/Certification

• Required: Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Physical Abilities

• Ability to perform work duties from limited space work station/desk/office area for extended periods of time

• Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job

• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job

Other Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines

• Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines

• Must meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary, and sensitive Company information

• Must have flexibility to work extended hours during the week and weekend, including Company holidays, during quarterly close or special projects

Pay & Benefits:

Competitive market salary from $119,900 - $133,200* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the company.

Benefits you’ll love: 

• Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too) 

• Southwest will help fund your Retirement Savings Plan with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings** 

• Potential for annual Profit Sharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan- when Southwest profits, you profit*** 

• Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets) 

• Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You will have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment. 

• Explore more Benefits you’ll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits

*Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.

**401(k) match contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits

***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.