Senior Accounting Manager

Talk about a phenomenal CFO and tone from the top! Mentorship and leadership really doesn't get any better than this! Our client, a long-time contact of our firm, is creating a new Senior Accounting Manager under her stellar organization. We are seeking a strong leader with technical accounting and auditing skills to prepare the business for success. In doing so, you will be on a path to Divisional Controller. The ideal candidate will have led through successful audits and have strong knowledge of manufacturing. If this sounds like you, please read on....

Serving as a strategic financial leader, the Senior Accounting Manager provides invaluable support to the entire Business Unit (BU) and its management team. The primary objective is to ensure accurate accounting records while offering guidance that facilitates informed financial decision-making while driving the financial transformation of the business unit.

Reporting directly to the Corporate Controller, with a dotted line to the Business Unit leadership, the Senior Accounting Manager is entrusted with upholding the corporate accounting policies at the BU, ensuring proper accounting controls for accurate financial records and leading initiatives that optimize financial processes and enhance performance across the department. A core aspect of the role involves leveraging advanced ERP systems and other digital tools to foster growth, increase productivity, and ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

The Senior Accounting Manager's responsibilities encompass overseeing accounting operations, and working with the BU Controller to analyze data, and implement strategies to align financial practices with organizational goals. By collaborating closely with stakeholders, the Senior Accounting Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping financial strategies that drive the unit forward.

Effective communication is integral to the Senior Accounting Manager’s role, as he/she must articulate financial insights and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, the Senior Accounting Manager helps to cultivate an environment conducive to achieving organizational objectives. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical accounting skills, leadership skills and a proven track record in accounting and financial management within a dynamic business environment.

Specific Position Duties

Perform and manage the BU level month-end closing, financial reporting and account reconciliation processes. This involves preparing and reviewing journal entries and performing account reconciliations.

• Perform and manage the day-to-day accounting activities of the BU. This involves performing bank reconciliations, collaborating with the corporate centralized Accounts Payable department, reviewing and collecting accounts receivable balances and monitoring inventory accounting processes for accuracy.
• Develop and report on analytics to influence effective decision making and achieve revenue, gross margin, EBITDA and working capital targets. This includes but is not limited to pricing, products costs, operational cost productivity and expense management, right-sizing cost levels while driving improvement in the cash conversion cycle.
• Participate in Operations/Business Reviews and other special projects or steering committees to ensure achievement of financial plans and strategic goals.
• Review current accounting policies and procedures at the BU level to ensure compliance with GAAP and consistency with corporate accounting policies. This includes cash, inventory, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other accounting areas. Develop and implement new policies and procedures where necessary.
• Collaborate across all BU departments (Sales, Procurement, Operations, etc.) and provide financial support and guidance to ensure processes and procedures are appropriate and provide accurate data for financial reporting and analytics.
• Collaborate with the Corporate Accounting, FP&A and other teams regarding accounting/financial requirements for the division and ensuring the financial statements are GAAP compliant and timely reported.
• Build the Annual Operating Budget of the BU using a bottoms-up approach to achieve company strategic and financial goals.
• Manage BU cash position and 13-week cash flow forecast model.
• Ensure compliance with state and local government sales and use tax reporting requirements.
• Perform other job-related duties as requested by management.

Key Competencies

• Excellent Leadership Skills including drive, decision making, self-direction, influence, presentation, and verbal/written communications.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to propose positive business solutions to problems.
• Strong influencing and problem-solving skills with attention to the details.
• High intellectual curiosity and strategic mindset.
• Ability to handle confidential financial and personnel information appropriately.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines.
• Forward-thinking in implementing tools and techniques to improve analytics, driving better business decisions.
• Good organizational skills and ability/capacity to handle a high work volume.
• Self-motivated and positive team player.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
• Ability to collaborate and work in a matrixed team environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required; CPA or MBA preferred.

Experience: 8 - 10 years of experience in a dedicated accounting/finance function, Manufacturing and inventory accounting experience strongly preferred.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of payroll processing, taxes, compliance, auditing, and benefits administration. Demonstrated ability to improve processes and diagnose problems. Training will be provided on internal processes and systems, as required for this position.