Accounting Manager - Columbia, MD

About the role

Cedar Solutions Group is seeking a highly skilled Accounting Manager to join Shield Consulting. This role will be based in Columbia, MD and report to the VP Operations.

Responsibilities

• Manage accounting activities to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting including profit and loss reports, cash flow analyses, income statements, balance sheets, and supporting schedules.
• Partner with finance team to manage month-end close processes, including financial reporting preparation.
• Collaborate on variance analysis to drive insightful financial reporting.
• Take responsibility for the KPI dashboard, ensuring over 95% accuracy in formulas and data across sheets.
• Executes and oversees general ledger account entries and reconciliations for all areas and functions within Shield.
• Oversee payroll processing, ensuring accurate deductions, bonuses, and tax withholdings.
• Support, mentor, train, and coordinate workflows for the accounting staff.
• Handle quarterly 401(k) and profit-sharing deposits.
• Actively participate in the proposal process for bidding on new government contracts.
• Affiliate in billing the Government and establishing compliant workflows for billing prime contracts, including managing accounts receivable collections.
• Develop and maintain the budget infrastructure, collaborating on high-level assumptions and reforecasts.
• Oversee cash flow management, banking operations, and working capital to ensure financial stability.
• Implement and refine internal controls to mitigate financial risks and enhance efficiency.
• Support audit preparation and compliance, ensuring the team is ready for external reviews.
• Monitor the financial system, track down errors, and resolve system issues to maintain data integrity.
• Contribute to special projects such as system migrations, process enhancements, and compliance initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to drive improvements and optimize accounting workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in accounting, with a strong understanding of financial statement preparation, multi-entity consolidation, and GAAP compliance.
• Experience in public accounting is highly preferred.
• Proficient in Excel, including advanced formulas (lookup, index/match) and model-building.
• Experience in ADP Workforce Now and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) is preferred.
• Prior experience with federal government contracting rules and DCAA compliance is preferred.
• CPA or CMA is preferred.

Attributes

• Financial Acumen & Systems Understanding: Demonstrated experience in financial statement preparation, multi-entity consolidation, and compliance with ASC guidance. Ownership mindset with a commitment to reporting accurate financial data.
• Effective Communication: Confident in presenting financial information to senior leadership with clarity and impact. Ability to connect day-to-day work with broader organizational goals.
• Flexibility & Agility: Adaptable to shifting priorities with a proactive approach to taking on new responsibilities. Servant leader mindset, willing to roll up their sleeves to support the team.
• Emotional Intelligence: Humility, accountability, and a people-first attitude. Growth mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and empowering others.