Accounting Manager

Job Mission

The Accounting Manager oversees all day-to-day accounting operations for a manufacturing organization, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and adherence to GAAP and company policies. This role manages a small accounting team while partnering closely with Operations, Supply Chain, and Sales to deliver financial insights that support decision-making, operational efficiency, and profitable business growth.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Reporting & Month-End Close

• Lead and manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Prepare and/or review financial statements, including income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow.
• Review and approve journal entries, accruals, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Analyze financial results and provide commentary on key variances versus budget and prior periods.

2. Cost & Inventory Accounting (Manufacturing Focus)

• Monitor and analyze manufacturing variances including PPV, labor, overhead, and scrap.
• Ensure accurate valuation of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods inventory.
• Collaborate with Operations to understand production performance, cost drivers, and process efficiencies.
• Support cycle counts and annual physical inventory, including reconciliation and reporting.

3. General Ledger, AP/AR & Cash Management

• Maintain the general ledger and manage the chart of accounts.
• Supervise accounts payable and accounts receivable processes to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Oversee vendor payments, customer collections, and credit policy adherence.
• Support cash flow forecasting and oversee daily/weekly cash monitoring.

4. Compliance, Controls & Audit

• Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal accounting policies.
• Strengthen and maintain internal controls over financial reporting and operational processes.
• Coordinate year-end financial audits and support tax or regulatory reviews.
• Assist with preparation of documentation for corporate tax filings, partnering with external advisors as needed.

5. Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Support the annual budgeting process and periodic reforecasting cycles.
• Prepare and analyze departmental and plant-level P&Ls.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations related to cost structure, margins, and efficiency initiatives.
• Help build business cases for capital expenditures and operational improvements.

6. Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff (e.g., Staff Accountants, AP/AR Clerks).
• Establish clear objectives, review work for accuracy, and conduct performance evaluations.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration within the finance team.

7. Systems, Processes & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with IT and Operations to maintain and improve the ERP/accounting system.
• Document and streamline accounting processes and workflows.
• Identify opportunities for automation and improved reporting accuracy and speed.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment (product-based business).
• Strong understanding of GAAP and core accounting processes (GL, AP, AR, fixed assets, inventory).
• Proficiency with ERP/accounting systems and Microsoft Excel.

Preferred

• CPA, CMA, or other relevant certification.
• Experience with manufacturing ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Infor, Microsoft Dynamics).
• Experience working in multi-site operations.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical accounting expertise with solid cost and inventory accounting knowledge.
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret financial data and communicate insights to non-financial partners.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and deadlines.
• Leadership, coaching, and team-building capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and balance multiple priorities.
• High integrity, professionalism, and sense of ownership.