Accounting Manager

About the role

The Accounting Manager leads the accounting function, overseeing accounts receivable and accounts payable, inventory and manufacturing accounting, government contract compliance, general accounting and reporting, and systems and process improvement. This role manages a small accounting team, ensures accurate and timely financial reporting, and supports compliance with government contracting regulations and GAAP. The Accounting Manager also partners closely with operations, supply chain, and other departments to maintain strong financial controls and drive continuous process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support accounting staff, providing leadership, guidance, and advocacy for team members while fostering effective communication with all departments.
• Oversee all accounts receivable and accounts payable activities, including generating, reviewing, and distributing customer invoices in a timely manner.
• Monitor outstanding receivables, follow up on collections, and ensure prompt payment from customers.
• Review and approve accounts payable transactions, ensuring accurate coding, proper authorization, and timely vendor payments.
• Manage the accounts receivable and accounts payable workflow within the QAD ERP system, including batch review and posting of transactions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date vendor and customer account records with a high level of integrity.
• Oversee inventory accounting in a manufacturing environment, including raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods.
• Plan, perform, and coordinate periodic physical inventory counts and cycle counts, investigating and resolving variances.
• Ensure accurate cost accounting for manufactured products, including appropriate allocation of labor, materials, and overhead.
• Collaborate with operations and supply chain teams to maintain inventory accuracy and integrity within the QAD ERP system.
• Support audits by government agencies, including preparation of required documentation and serving as a liaison during audit engagements.
• Prepare and/or review Incurred Cost Submissions (ICS) in accordance with applicable federal regulations.
• Develop and maintain provisional indirect cost rates and support the preparation of forward pricing rate proposals.
• Ensure financial records and practices comply with relevant government contracting requirements, including Cost Accounting Standards and Federal Acquisition Regulations.
• Monitor government contract revenue recognition, billing milestones, and contract financial performance.
• Lead the month-end and year-end close processes, including preparation and review of manual journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements.
• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts, investigating and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Perform bank reconciliations and cash accounting on a regular basis.
• Maintain fixed asset records and depreciation schedules.
• Prepare and distribute special financial reports and analyses as requested by senior finance leadership.
• Ensure adherence to GAAP across all accounting functions and processes.
• Utilize the QAD ERP system as the primary accounting platform and support the effective use of ERP tools within the finance team.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, strengthen internal controls, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Lead or contribute to specifically assigned projects and cross-functional initiatives as directed by finance leadership.
• Provide backup support across finance functions to ensure continuity of operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the overall success of the finance organization.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive accounting experience, with demonstrated expertise in accounts receivable, accounts payable, and general accounting.
• Approximately 2–3 years of experience in an accounting management or supervisory role, with responsibility for leading and supporting staff.
• Hands-on experience with general ledger maintenance, account reconciliation, month-end and year-end close processes, and journal entry preparation.
• Strong experience with accounts payable and accounts receivable operations, including invoicing, collections, and vendor payments.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment with direct responsibility for inventory accounting, including raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
• Proficiency in cost accounting for manufactured products, including labor, material, and overhead allocations.
• Solid understanding of GAAP and its application across core accounting functions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to investigate and resolve discrepancies in financial records.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to work with and influence stakeholders across multiple departments and handle a variety of personalities.
• Demonstrated ability to advocate for team members and create a supportive, collaborative work environment.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and integrity in managing financial data and records.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• CPA or CMA certification is a plus.
• Experience with government contracting accounting, including audits by federal oversight agencies, is strongly preferred.
• Experience preparing and reviewing Incurred Cost Submissions and developing provisional and forward pricing indirect rates is highly beneficial.
• Familiarity with Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR/DFARS) is highly desirable.
• Prior involvement in supporting Defense Contract Audit Agency and Defense Contract Management Agency audits is advantageous.
• Experience preparing special financial reports and analyses for senior leadership.
• Background in auditing or working with external auditors in a corporate environment.
• Experience with other ERP systems such as Oracle or SAP is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience identifying and implementing process improvements and internal control enhancements.
• Able to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Westminster, MD.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $115,000.00 - $115,000.00/yr.

healthcare, disability coverage, pension plans, and paid time off.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Westminster,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.