Staff Accountant: Learn the Work. Modernize the Work. Grow into What’s Next

Panera Bread of Iowa is looking for a Staff Accountant with the potential and ambition to develop into the companys Controller. This person will first master the companys accounting work, understand why each process exists, and build trust through accurate, dependable execution. The Staff Accountant will then modernize workflows by simplifying steps, improving reporting, reducing manual work, and researching practical uses of automation, AI, and other technology. As proficiency and capacity grow, the role will expand into increasingly advanced accounting, financial reporting, planning, controls, and leadership responsibilities. The intended development path is readiness to compete for the Controller position within approximately five years, based on demonstrated performance, growth, business needs, and position availability.

What Youll Do

• Own core accounting work, including general ledger activity, reconciliations, closing, reporting, sales tax, budgeting support, and financial analysis.

• Learn the purpose, controls, dependencies, and business impact behind each assigned process.

• Identify repetitive work, bottlenecks, unnecessary steps, recurring errors, and reporting gaps.

• Research and recommend practical workflow, automation, and AI solutions; help design, test, document, and implement improvements.

• Protect accuracy, confidentiality, internal controls, and appropriate human review as processes change.

• Use the knowledge and capacity gained through improvements to take on progressively broader accounting, business-partnership, control, planning, and leadership responsibilities associated with development toward the Controller role.

Why This Role Is Different

Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookup functions, complex formulas, data validation, and tools used to organize, transform, analyze, and present financial data. Ability to learn and apply additional reporting, workflow, automation, and AI tools as business needs and technology evolve.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and analyze financial data.

• Sound judgment in the use of automation and AI, including the ability to protect confidential information, evaluate unfamiliar tools, recognize unreliable outputs, validate results against source data, document material processes, and retain accountability for the final work product.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact effectively with team members and other departments.

• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks efficiently.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong interpersonal skills.

• Learn unfamiliar processes, systems, and business areas quickly; document and apply new knowledge; respond constructively to feedback; and adapt to changing responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong problem-solving skills, able to ask questions, investigate issues, and provide solutions.

Education:

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field is required.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands below represent activities commonly required to perform the essential functions of office-based positions.

• Regularly remain in a seated or stationary position while working at a computer, with periodic standing and movement throughout the office.

• Frequently use a keyboard, mouse, telephone, copier, scanner, and other office equipment and handle documents and small office materials.

• Access, review, and enter information accurately using computer screens, printed materials, reports, and electronic systems.

• Frequently communicate in person and through telephone, email, video meetings, and other business technology.

• Occasionally move and position files, supplies, packages, or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Navigate office work areas, meeting rooms, storage areas, and other company locations as required.

• Occasionally travel to bakery-cafs or other business locations and, when present in a bakery-caf, safely navigate operational areas and comply with applicable safety and food-safety requirements.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed primarily in a professional office environment using computers, telephones, video-conferencing tools, and other standard office equipment.

• The position may experience frequent interruptions, shared work areas, and typical office noise.

• Occasional travel to bakery-cafs or other business locations may involve exposure to operational areas, temperature changes, hot surfaces, knives, bread slicers, meat slicers, other sharp utensils and cutting equipment, electrical equipment, commercial cleaning products, common food allergens, and wet or uneven surfaces.

• Required safety practices and personal protective equipment must be used when applicable.

Cognitive and Workplace Demands:

• Work effectively in a deadline-driven, customer-focused business environment with frequent interruptions, competing priorities, and changing operational needs.

• Maintain attention to detail and accuracy while reviewing information, completing multiple tasks, and meeting established deadlines.

• Receive, understand, remember, interpret, and apply verbal and written instructions, policies, procedures, reports, and other business information.

• Organize work, manage time, prioritize responsibilities, and follow through on assignments with limited day-to-day supervision.

• Use sound judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to evaluate information, make timely decisions, and escalate concerns when appropriate.

• Communicate clearly, professionally, and respectfully with employees, managers, owners, vendors, and external partners, including during sensitive, urgent, or challenging interactions.

• Adapt to changing priorities, business systems, processes, and staffing or operational needs while maintaining confidentiality and appropriate discretion.

• Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of the position.

• Employees must report to work as scheduled and remain engaged, responsive, and productive throughout the scheduled workday.