Accounting Manager

About the role

The Accounting Manager is responsible for managing assigned accounting functions, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records, and supporting the organization's monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting processes. This position provides technical accounting expertise, researches and resolves complex accounting matters, and ensures compliance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and applicable nonprofit accounting requirements. The Accounting Manager works closely with the Vice President of Finance and other accounting personnel to strengthen financial reporting, support external audits, maintain internal controls, and improve accounting processes. The Accounting Manager also oversees assigned accounting staff, manages departmental workloads, and identifies opportunities to improve efficiency through technology, automation, and process improvements. The successful candidate will possess strong accounting knowledge, sound analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to independently research and resolve complex accounting matters while effectively managing day-to-day responsibilities.

Responsibilities

General Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Manage assigned accounting activities to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of financial records.
• Collaborate with accounting personnel in coordinating and executing monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities.
• Prepare and review journal entries, accruals, adjustments, and account reconciliations.
• Review general ledger balances, including assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and net asset classifications, to ensure accurate accounting and reporting.
• Investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies, unusual transactions, and significant variances.
• Assist in the preparation and review of financial statements, management reports, and supporting schedules in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Support complex financial reporting matters, including consolidations, intercompany transactions, and nonprofit net asset reporting.
• Ensure accounting records and supporting documentation are maintained in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve the accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency of financial reporting.

Technical Accounting and Research

• Research complex accounting transactions and determine appropriate accounting treatment in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Prepare technical accounting memoranda documenting research, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Evaluate accounting issues involving revenue recognition, contributions, donor restrictions, leases, consolidations, and other complex transactions.
• Research and apply accounting standards relevant to nonprofit organizations.
• Provide technical accounting guidance on unusual or nonrecurring transactions, including appropriate recognition, measurement, classification, and disclosure.
• Monitor changes in accounting standards and assess their potential impact on the organization.
• Develop, review, and update accounting policies and procedures as needed.
• Independently resolve accounting issues and recommend solutions, escalating significant or judgmental matters to the Vice President of Finance when appropriate.
• Support special accounting projects and organizational initiatives requiring technical research and analysis.

Audit and Compliance

• Collaborate with accounting personnel in preparing for and supporting the annual financial statement audit.
• Prepare and review audit schedules, reconciliations, analyses, and other supporting documentation.
• Work with external auditors to respond to inquiries and resolve accounting matters.
• Research and document technical accounting positions arising during the audit.
• Assist in the preparation and review of annual financial statements and related disclosures.
• Identify opportunities to improve audit readiness, documentation, and internal controls.
• Support the resolution of audit findings and implementation of corrective actions.
• Assist with accounting information and supporting documentation required for applicable tax and regulatory reporting.

Accounting Analysis and Support

• Review complex accounting transactions involving inventory, royalties, fixed assets, sales tax, contributions, and other assigned areas.
• Perform financial analyses and investigate significant account fluctuations, trends, and variances.
• Collaborate with the Treasurer on accounting matters involving cash balances, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Support cash-flow analysis, forecasting, and scenario planning as requested.
• Work with the Accounting Operations Manager and other finance personnel to ensure consistent accounting treatment and coordination of departmental activities.
• Assist the Vice President of Finance with special projects, financial analyses, and other accounting-related initiatives.

Management and Supervision

• Manage the daily activities and assigned responsibilities of Senior Accountant(s) and Accountant(s).
• Assign, prioritize, and review accounting work to ensure accuracy, completeness, and timely completion.
• Monitor departmental workloads, reporting deadlines, and employee performance.
• Conduct performance evaluations and participate in personnel decisions, including hiring, performance management, and disciplinary actions in accordance with organizational policies.
• Provide guidance and direction on accounting procedures, policies, and complex transactions.
• Coordinate with other accounting personnel to ensure effective communication, workflow management, and completion of departmental objectives.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, and adherence to established accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Technology and Process Improvement

• Evaluate existing accounting processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls.
• Recommend improvements to manual accounting processes, including reconciliations, reporting, journal entries, and financial analysis.
• Research and evaluate practical applications of automation, artificial intelligence, and other emerging accounting technologies.
• Collaborate with Information Technology and the Financial Systems Analyst on financial system enhancements and process improvements.
• Assist with accounting system implementations, testing, and related projects.
• Support the development and documentation of standardized accounting procedures.
• Ensure appropriate review, validation, and internal controls are maintained when implementing new technologies or automated processes.

Requirements

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and demonstrated experience applying accounting principles to complex transactions.
• Experience in general ledger accounting, month-end close, account reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to independently research and resolve complex accounting issues.
• Experience preparing or reviewing financial statements and supporting external audits.
• Experience supervising, leading, or directing accounting activities or personnel.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience working with accounting or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

Preferred

• 8–10 or more years of progressive accounting experience.
• CPA designation is not required.
• Previous experience in an Accounting Manager, Accounting Supervisor, or similar role.
• Experience in nonprofit accounting or financial reporting.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or similar ERP systems.