Senior Accountant, Fixed Assets

About Blue Bird Corporation

Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses sold. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Plant Controller, the Senior Accountant, Fixed Assets owns and oversees the fixed assets accounting, reporting, and compliance functions. This role serves as the subject matter expert for capital expenditures (CAPEX), ensuring accounting integrity, robust internal controls, and accurate cross-functional reporting. The ideal candidate possesses advanced analytical capabilities to interpret complex data, leads month-end close processes for fixed assets, and acts as a key liaison during internal and external audits.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• CAPEX Oversight: Lead the review, analysis, and processing of all capital asset purchase, disposal, and transfer requests, ensuring strict alignment with corporate capitalization policies and GAAP.
• Financial Close Ownership: Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes for the fixed asset subledger, including the preparation and posting of complex journal entries.
• Reconciliations & Reporting: Prepare and review monthly reconciliations of the fixed asset subledger to General Ledger balances; develop and maintain comprehensive fixed asset roll-forward schedules.
• Audit & Compliance Leadership: Drive the preparation of documentation for internal/external audit requests and SOX compliance; serve as a primary point of contact for fixed asset audit inquiries.
• Internal Controls & Risk Management: Evaluate, implement, and monitor fixed asset internal controls to safeguard company assets, ensure reporting integrity, and proactively mitigate financial risks.
• Tax & Asset Management: Maintain fixed asset tax ledgers and coordinate the lifecycle of assets within the Asset Management module from creation to retirement.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Partner with finance leadership to drive the preparation of the annual CAPEX budget and monthly depreciation forecasts.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Advise and educate cross-functional teams (Operations, Engineering, Procurement) on corporate fixed asset policies, procedures, and CAPEX vs. OPEX determinations.
• System & Process Optimization: Support ERP implementations, system upgrades, and process improvement initiatives to streamline fixed asset workflows.
• Ad Hoc Analysis: Execute advanced financial analysis and special projects as requested by the Plant Controller and executive leadership.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS

• Manufacturing Expertise: Deep understanding of accounting/finance in a manufacturing setting, with specialized expertise in fixed assets, inventory valuation, and CAPEX/OPEX structures.
• Advanced Technical GAAP: Strong, foundational knowledge of US GAAP, SOX compliance, and internal control frameworks.
• Data Analysis & Systems: Expert-level proficiency in MS Excel (vlookups, pivot tables, advanced formulas) and Business Intelligence (BI) reporting tools; ability to synthesize and reconcile large, complex datasets.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to present complex financial data clearly to diverse stakeholders and non-financial managers.
• Autonomy & Agility: Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize deliverables, manage competing deadlines, and thrive independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to build strong, collaborative partnerships with internal customers and cross-functional teams.
• Integrity: Uncompromising commitment to high ethical standards and rigorous internal control compliance.

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance
• 6-8 years of relevant accounting experience, with at least 3 years focused heavily on fixed assets and CAPEX
• All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Accounting experience in a publicly traded manufacturing company with experience in fixed assets, inventory, month/quarter/year end close activities, and audit preparation

WE VALUE

• Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidance
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills to handle difficult and sensitive matters.
• Strong project management skills. Exposure to difficult or complex projects a plus.
• Ability to influence stakeholders
• Effective communication and ability to communicate complex details in a clear manner.
• Flexible workspaces and work hours that help you unleash the best you.
• Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives.

INCLUDES

• Continued Professional Development
• Benefits including medical, dental and eye insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k with match

*The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive.  They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Blue Bird® is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We strive to have the best available talent in every job based on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities each person brings.  Blue Bird is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Company operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination in all forms.

All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.