Accounting

Accounting Manager job description

An Accounting Manager oversees month-end close processes, financial reporting, and GL reconciliations while ensuring GAAP compliance across operations.

Published May 13, 2024Updated May 9, 20262472 likes

Explore all roles Browse Accounting

Job brief

We are seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to lead our accounting department and take ownership of our financial reporting processes across multiple business units. In this role, you will manage a team of 3-5 accounting professionals while ensuring timely and accurate completion of monthly closes, maintaining SOX compliance, and preparing executive-level financial reports. You'll work closely with our CFO and external audit partners while implementing process improvements that enhance efficiency and controls. If you have a passion for financial accuracy, team leadership, and driving operational excellence in a dynamic environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Key highlights

Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes across multiple entities, ensuring completion within 5 business days
Manage general ledger integrity through detailed account analysis, journal entry review, and balance sheet reconciliation oversight
Prepare monthly management reports including P&L variance analysis, cash flow statements, and departmental budget comparisons for executive review
Coordinate external audit activities by preparing supporting schedules, responding to auditor inquiries, and implementing recommended improvements

What is a Accounting Manager?

An Accounting Manager is a senior financial professional who supervises accounting operations, manages the general ledger, and ensures accurate financial reporting for an organization. Working with advanced ERP systems such as NetSuite, SAP, or Oracle Financials, Accounting Managers lead month-end and year-end close processes, oversee accounts payable and receivable functions, and maintain compliance with GAAP, IFRS, and SOX requirements. Their expertise in financial analysis, variance reporting, and internal controls is critical to maintaining the financial integrity and audit readiness that stakeholders and regulatory bodies demand.

What does a Accounting Manager do?

An Accounting Manager directs daily accounting operations by reviewing journal entries, analyzing balance sheet reconciliations, and preparing management reports for C-suite executives and department heads. They lead monthly close activities by coordinating with AP/AR teams, reviewing accruals and deferrals, and ensuring all transactions are properly recorded in the general ledger within established deadlines. Throughout the day, they utilize advanced Excel functions and financial reporting tools to investigate variances, prepare budget-to-actual analyses, and support external auditors with requested documentation. They also mentor junior accounting staff, implement process improvements, and collaborate with FP&A teams on forecasting and strategic planning initiatives.

Key responsibilities

Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes across multiple entities, ensuring completion within 5 business days
Manage general ledger integrity through detailed account analysis, journal entry review, and balance sheet reconciliation oversight
Prepare monthly management reports including P&L variance analysis, cash flow statements, and departmental budget comparisons for executive review
Supervise accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll accounting functions while maintaining internal control standards
Coordinate external audit activities by preparing supporting schedules, responding to auditor inquiries, and implementing recommended improvements
Ensure compliance with GAAP, SOX requirements, and industry-specific regulations through regular process reviews and documentation
Develop and mentor junior accounting staff through training programs, performance reviews, and professional development planning
Implement ERP system enhancements and process automation initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce manual reconciliation time

Requirements and skills

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field with CPA certification strongly preferred
5+ years of progressive accounting experience including 2+ years in a supervisory or management role
Advanced proficiency in ERP systems such as NetSuite, SAP, Oracle Financials, or Microsoft Dynamics with general ledger module expertise
Expert-level Excel skills including complex formulas, pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and financial modeling capabilities
Strong knowledge of GAAP, IFRS, and SOX compliance requirements with hands-on experience in public company reporting
Experience managing external audit relationships and preparing audit schedules for Big 4 or national accounting firms
Proven ability to lead teams, manage competing priorities, and meet tight month-end closing deadlines consistently
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail in high-volume transaction environments

FAQs

What does an Accounting Manager do on a daily basis?

An Accounting Manager oversees daily accounting operations including reviewing journal entries, analyzing account reconciliations, and preparing financial reports for management. They spend significant time in ERP systems like NetSuite or SAP reviewing transactions, investigating variances, and ensuring proper coding and approval workflows. During month-end periods, they coordinate close activities across AP, AR, and payroll teams while preparing accruals, reviewing balance sheet accounts, and finalizing management reports. They also mentor accounting staff, respond to internal and external audit requests, and participate in budget planning and forecasting meetings with department heads and executives.

What qualifications do you need to become an Accounting Manager?

Most Accounting Manager positions require a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, plus 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory role. A CPA certification is highly valued and often required, especially in public companies or regulated industries. Strong technical skills in ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite are essential, along with advanced Excel proficiency for financial analysis and reporting. Experience with GAAP compliance, SOX requirements, and external audit coordination is typically required. Many employers also look for candidates with public accounting experience from Big 4 firms or industry-specific knowledge.

Who does an Accounting Manager work with?

An Accounting Manager collaborates extensively with C-suite executives, providing monthly financial reports and variance analyses to the CFO and CEO. They work closely with department managers across operations, sales, and procurement to ensure proper expense coding and budget adherence. Externally, they coordinate with public accounting firms during annual audits, tax advisors for compliance matters, and banking partners for credit facility reporting. Within their team, they supervise accounting clerks, AP/AR specialists, and payroll administrators while mentoring junior staff and conducting performance reviews. They also partner with FP&A teams on budgeting and forecasting initiatives.

What is the career path for an Accounting Manager?

Accounting Managers typically advance to senior management roles such as Finance Director, Controller, or Assistant Controller, with many eventually reaching CFO positions. The role provides excellent preparation for executive finance leadership through exposure to strategic planning, team management, and board-level reporting. Many Accounting Managers also transition to specialized areas like Corporate Development, Internal Audit, or Treasury Management. With additional education and certifications, some move into consulting roles with public accounting firms or become independent financial advisors. The combination of technical accounting expertise, leadership experience, and business acumen gained in this role opens doors to diverse opportunities across industries and company sizes.