How to Hire an Accounting Manager

Why hire an accounting manager?

Benefits of hiring an accounting manager:

• Generate accurate financial reports on a timely basis
• Develop and maintain financial controls, policies and procedures
• Oversee taxes and ensure your company abides by federal regulations

What are the ranks of accountants?

The accounting field has a clearly defined hierarchy dictating the position of each job. Some of these jobs include:

• Controller: A controller is typically one of the highest financial positions in a corporation. They often report directly to the CFO or the director of finance. Controllers are responsible for supervising all staff below them. 
• Accounting manager: Accounting managers are responsible for overseeing staff and junior accountants. Some of their duties include scheduling and ensuring budgets are properly managed.
• Senior accountant: Senior accountants have many of the common responsibilities of accountants. They may also give fiscal reports to upper management detailing the financial health of the business.
• Staff accountant: Staff accountants may be responsible for preparing reconciliations and tracking accounts payable and receivable.
• Junior accountant: Junior accounts are typically entry-level employees who prepare preliminary reports and reconcile vendor and client accounts.
• Bookkeeper: Bookkeepers are responsible for keeping track of a business’s financial transactions.

Where to find accounting managers

To find the right accounting manager for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

• Promote from within. There may already by accountants in your financial department who possess the required skills to be an accounting manager and are ready to move up in the company. Set up interviews with promising individuals to gauge their potential. 
• Maintain relationships with other businesses. Companies in your general area may be able to provide you with leads to quality candidates for your accounting manager position. Make inquiries about potential applicants and set up interviews. 
• Search online. Some local candidates may be advertising their services and experience online. Search sites for potential applicants and make contact.
• Post your job online. Try posting your accounting manager job on Indeed to find and attract quality accounting manager candidates.

What are the ranks of accountants?

The accounting field has a clearly defined hierarchy dictating the position of each job. Some of these jobs include:

• Controller: A controller is typically one of the highest financial positions in a corporation. They often report directly to the CFO or the director of finance. Controllers are responsible for supervising all staff below them. 
• Accounting manager: Accounting managers are responsible for overseeing staff and junior accountants. Some of their duties include scheduling and ensuring budgets are properly managed.
• Senior accountant: Senior accountants have many of the common responsibilities of accountants. They may also give fiscal reports to upper management detailing the financial health of the business.
• Staff accountant: Staff accountants may be responsible for preparing reconciliations and tracking accounts payable and receivable.
• Junior accountant: Junior accounts are typically entry-level employees who prepare preliminary reports and reconcile vendor and client accounts.
• Bookkeeper: Bookkeepers are responsible for keeping track of a business’s financial transactions.

Writing an accounting manager job description

A carefully written description is important in finding highly qualified accounting manager candidates. An accounting manager job description includes a detailed summary of the role, a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities and the required and preferred skills for the position.

When writing your accounting manager job description, consider including some or all of the following keywords to improve the visibility of your job posting. These are the most popular search terms leading to clicks on accounting manager jobs, according to Indeed data:

• Accounting
• Accounting manager
• Controller
• Accountant
• Controller accounting
• Accounts payable
• CPA
• Finance & accounting
• Manager
• Accounts payable manager

Interviewing accounting manager candidates

Strong candidates for accounting manager positions will be confident answering questions regarding:

• Accounting platforms used and other applicable software (e.g., Excel functions)
• Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
• Maintaining accuracy in accounting

Need help coming up with interview questions? See our list of accounting manager interview questions for examples (with sample answers).