Accounting Manager

Are you looking to join a dynamic team that provides its people with the tools to be successfull and opportunities to grow?
Universal Logistics is a leading provider of customized transportation and logistics solutions, offering a comprehensive suite of services including transportation, value-added, intermodal, and specialized services utilized throughout entire supply chains. 
Universal has immediate career opportunities in your area. Apply today to become part of the Universal team! 

The Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing the Company's internal financial reporting and closing processes, ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP and internal control standards. This role will report to the Corporate Controller and serve as a key member of the finance team, partnering closely with executive management, operating leaders, and external auditors to support accurate financial reporting. The Accounting Manager will lead critical accounting functions, including managing the monthly close process, consolidations, intercompany accounting, debt compliance reporting, financial controls, and audit coordination.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the Company's closing and consolidation process, including intercompany eliminations, account reconciliation reviews, and financial statement analysis.
• Preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual consolidated and consolidating financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Coordinate and prepare debt reporting packages, including covenant compliance calculations and lender reporting requirements.
• Assist the Controller in the development, implementation, and enhancement of accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Support the Company's internal control framework through documentation, testing, and remediation activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting efficiencies, and system capabilities while promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Oversee the preparation and distribution of internal financial reporting packages for executive management and business unit leadership.
• Assist in managing relationships with external auditors and serve as a point of contact during quarterly reviews, annual audits, and other financial examinations.
• Assist in coordination of audit activities, prepare supporting schedules, and implement recommendations resulting from audit findings and best practices.
• Monitor compliance with accounting policies and ensure consistency across business units and reporting entities.

Qualifications

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation strongly preferred.
• Prior experience with a public accounting firm is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting, financial reporting, auditing, or related experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Experience within a publicly traded company environment preferred.
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, financial statement preparation, and consolidation accounting.
• Demonstrated experience with SOX 404 compliance and internal control frameworks.
• Experience with debt covenant reporting, financing arrangements, and lender compliance requirements preferred.
• Strong knowledge of foreign currency translation and remeasurement accounting.
• Experience managing complex intercompany transactions and elimination processes.
• Industry experience in logistics, transportation, automotive, manufacturing, or technology sectors preferred.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with changing priorities and competing deadlines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and technical accounting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet critical deadlines.
• Hands-on leadership style with a willingness to dive into details while maintaining a strategic perspective.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting systems.