Accounting Manager, Contract

This is a contract or contract-to-hire, opportunity with our client based in Carlsbad, California. This role offers the flexibility for a hybrid arrangement, with occasional office visits. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.

Our client is seeking a hands-on Accounting Manager to take ownership of day-to-day accounting operations, including the financial close, reporting, accounts payable, reconciliations, and other essential accounting activities that support an accurate and dependable finance function. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing detailed accounting work with higher-level projects, helping improve processes, strengthen internal controls, manage outside accounting resources, and build the foundation for a growing accounting team. The position offers direct exposure to senior finance leadership, the opportunity to take on increasingly strategic responsibilities, a clear path toward future leadership roles such as Director of Accounting or Controller, and equity participation that allows employees to share in the company's long-term success.

Responsibilities

• Own the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial close processes.

• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and general ledger activity.

• Prepare accurate financial statements, supporting schedules, and monthly management reports.

• Oversee bookkeeping, accounts payable, vendor payments, invoicing, and other daily accounting activities.

• Ensure accounting work is completed accurately, consistently, and on time.

• Prepare variance analyses and provide clear explanations of financial results.

• Lead and review the work of fractional, part-time, and consulting accounting resources.

• Help establish and develop an internal accounting team as the organization grows.

• Design, document, and improve accounting processes and internal controls.

• Support external audits and coordinate documentation and information requests.

• Maintain organized financial records and supporting documentation.

• Research accounting matters and document conclusions when needed.

• Partner with finance and operational leaders to improve financial accuracy and reporting.

• Help develop inventory and cost-accounting processes as the organization expands its manufacturing operations.

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting systems, reporting, workflows, and close efficiency.

• Take on higher-level accounting and financial projects based on experience and business needs.

Qualifications

• Active CPA license. (The license does not need to be registered in California.)

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience.

• Public accounting or manufacturing environment experience.

• Hands-on experience managing or playing a significant role in the monthly financial close.

• Experience preparing financial statements, supporting schedules, and management reports.

• Strong knowledge of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

• Experience with general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, accounts payable, and accruals.

• Experience supporting external audits and working with auditors.

• Experience leading accounting work, reviewing the work of others, or serving in a lead or supervisory capacity.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

• Experience with accounting or enterprise resource planning systems.

• Willingness to perform detailed accounting work while also taking on higher-level responsibilities.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.

• Ability to manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

• Self-directed approach with the ability to identify needs and move work forward with limited supervision.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Public accounting experience.

• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience with inventory or cost accounting.

• Experience working for or supporting a publicly traded company.

• Knowledge of public-company accounting controls and reporting requirements.

• Experience designing, documenting, or implementing internal financial controls.

• Experience in automotive, hardware, industrial products, or another product-based manufacturing environment.

• Experience working in a startup, growth-stage company, or similarly hands-on environment.

• Experience building or scaling an accounting team or function.

• Experience supporting an organization as it prepares for increased production or operational growth.

Our Hiring Process

At Emergent Staffing, we work hard to find the employees who are the right fit for our clients. Here are the steps of our vetting process for this position:

1. Application (5 minutes)

2. Online Assessment (40-60 minutes)

3. Initial Video Interview (30-45 minutes)

4. Client On-site Interview (60 minutes)

5. On-site Interview with leadership (90 min)

6. Job Offer!

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