Accounting Manager

Description

Position Summary:

The Accounting Manager is responsible for accounts payable, preparation of financial statements, journal entries, account reconciliations, and related accounting activities. The position supports accurate financial reporting, timely payment processing, and maintenance of reliable accounting records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

The Accounting Manager must understand both routine transactions and more complex accounting matters, including lease accounting and related liabilities. This person will serve as a dependable backup to the Director of Accounting, providing continuity across daily accounting operations, financial reporting, and accounting-related inquiries.

Reports To: Director of Accounting

Essential Responsibilities:

Accounts Payable

• Process vendor invoices verifying supporting documentation and archiving all invoices in the network AP files.
• Monitor bank cash balances as it relates to AP.
• Timely have all accounts payable invoices entered by the end of the month for proper financial report.
• Respond to accounts payable questions from vendors and internal staff.

General Ledger and Journal Entries:

• Prepare and record journal entries with appropriate documentation.
• Maintain accurate general ledger balances and account classifications.
• Reconcile assigned balance sheet accounts and investigate unresolved differences.
• Record accruals, prepaid expenses, depreciation, and other adjustments as applicable.
• Support month-end and year-end closing activities and meet established deadlines.

Financial Statement Preparation:

• Prepare financial statements and supporting schedules for review by the Director of Accounting.
• Review financial results for accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
• Investigate unusual balances and significant variances.
• Provide clear explanations of financial activity and respond to accounting-related questions.
• Maintain documentation supporting reported balances and adjustments.

Technical Accounting and GAAP:

• Apply GAAP to assigned transactions and financial reporting activities.
• Research accounting questions and document recommended treatment for review.
• Maintain lease accounting schedules and prepare entries for lease liabilities and related right-of-use assets, as applicable.
• Identify transactions requiring additional analysis or consultation with the Director of Accounting or external advisers.
• Assist with maintaining consistent accounting policies and procedures.

Backup Coverage and Operational Continuity:

• Develop a working knowledge of the Director of Accounting’s responsibilities, systems, recurring deadlines, and reporting      requirements.
• Serve as the primary backup for designated responsibilities during absences or periods of increased workload.
• Address routine accounts payable and broader accounting questions independently within established authority.
• Recognize matters requiring escalation and communicate them promptly.
• Maintain current procedures and cross-training documentation to support continuity.

Internal Controls and Audit Support:

• Follow established approval procedures and maintain complete, accurate accounting records.
• Preserve separation of payment preparation, approval, and release responsibilities during backup coverage.
• Assist with audit requests, supporting schedules, and coordination with external auditors.
• Protect confidential financial, employee, and vendor information.
• Recommend improvements that increase accuracy, efficiency, reliability and improve internal controls.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
• Relevant experience in general ledger accounting, accounts payable, financial statement preparation, and account      reconciliations.
• Working knowledge of GAAP and the ability to analyze accounting issues beyond routine transaction processing.
• Ability to prepare supported journal entries and explain accounting balances and financial results.
• Proficiency with accounting software (Quick Books) and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and deadline management.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and communicate clearly.
• Willingness and ability to learn the full accounting function and provide dependable backup coverage.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA designation or progress toward CPA certification; CPA is preferred but not required.
• Experience with lease accounting, including lease liabilities and right-of-use assets.
• Experience supporting month-end and year-end close and external audits.
• Experience assuming broader accounting responsibilities during a supervisor’s absence.

Performance Expectations: 

• Accurate and timely invoice processing and payment preparation.
• Financial statements and closing schedules completed by established deadlines.
• Journal entries supported by appropriate documentation.
• Reconciliations completed regularly, with discrepancies resolved promptly.
• Accounting questions addressed accurately or escalated appropriately.
• Demonstrated readiness to cover the Director of Accounting’s designated responsibilities.
• Consistent adherence to internal controls and confidentiality requirements.
• Practical improvements to accounting procedures, documentation and workpapers.