Accounting Manager Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

An Accounting Manager works in a certified public accountant (CPA) firm, financial institution or other company, and their work is essential for maintaining the financial wellness and integrity of an organization. Accounting Managers supervise accounting departments, prepare reports for company leads, and develop standards and processes for proper financial management.

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Accounting Manager duties and responsibilities

In this section, we will detail the important duties required for the Accounting Manager position and the regular responsibilities people must undertake to excel in the role.

Examples of Accounting Manager duties and responsibilities include:


    Plan, implement and supervise the company’s financial strategy

    Manage the company’s financial accounts, payrolls, budget, cash receipts and financial assets

    Handle the company’s transactions and debts and do cash flow forecasting

    Perform the company’s financial audits

    Follow proper accounting procedures to reach financial objectives

    Monitor and analyze financial accounting data

    Create financial reports based on data analysis

    Make recommendations to business stakeholders







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Accounting Manager Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

St James’ School is seeking an accounting manager. This role reports to the Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for all accounting functions in the office in addition to financial analysis and reporting. This role will work closely with a Human Resources Manager and will supervise a halftime accounting support role for the business office. This role is also expected to support strategic initiatives for the Chief Financial Officer, such as projects relating to the school’s IT, Capital Purchase Requests systems, and databases.

The ideal candidate has substantial experience in all accounting activities within an office, experience with schools is preferred. The candidate must have exceptional time management and organization skills and successfully balance progress on strategic projects with day to day responsibilities. It is a full time, non-exempt position, including a full benefits package and professional development opportunities. St. James’ also provides 90% tuition remission to employee children accepted into the school.

Responsibilities:

  • Perform financial analysis including actual performance compared to budget

  • Perform accounting and banking reconciliations as part of monthly accounting close and other periodic reviews

  • Ensure business office procedures support accurate and compliant financial statement reporting and protect school assets from fraud or error.

  • Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer in overseeing the annual financial statement audit.

  • Partner with HR manager to perform staffing, scheduling and payroll analyses.

  • In the absence of the HR Manager, oversee payroll function for the school.

  • Other duties as assigned by Head of School, CFO, or designee.

  • Serve as co-administrator of key school database systems spanning accounting, tuition and tuition aid, development and admissions

    Qualifications:

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

  • Five or more years of experience in business operations and/or accounting and/or business analysis, preferably in a school environment.

  • Thorough knowledge of Excel, including pivot tables, vlookups and charts. Agility in learning various software including Accounting software.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Excellent active listening, negotiation and presentation skills.

  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks.

  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

  • High level of flexibility, agility and responsiveness in negotiating the needs of the various constituencies of the School and representatives from other organizations.

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information and issues.

    About St. James’ Episcopal School

    St. James’ Episcopal School is a community that values academic rigor, compassion, curiosity, kindness, critical inquiry and joy through excellence. We adhere to a strong belief that an elementary school’s primary purpose is to inculcate in children a lifelong love of learning, a commitment to community, a profound curiosity about people and the world, and gratitude for the opportunity to make our complex world more compassionate, empathetic and nurturing to everyone; we respect the dignity of every human being.

    Established in 1968, and encompassing most of a block on St. Andrews Place, and a preschool on Gramercy Place, St. James’ is comprised of 365 students and over 73 employees, whom we refer to as “staffulty” due to the belief that everything at St. James’ is the curriculum and that all employees are teachers.

    St. James’ offers a very generous health care plan, tuition remission for accepted employee children, pension plan, professional development and vacation and sick leave.

    St. James’ Episcopal School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, disability, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local discrimination laws.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday

    COVID-19 masks, daily health screening, weekly Covid testing, etc

    Work Location: One location
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    Example 2

    We are committed to provide our employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. The success of ESS Metron is built by committed, efficient employees who believe in our company, who gain satisfaction from their work, and who strive towards extraordinary achievement. We believe that people work best in an environment where they are recognized for their efforts and respected as individuals.
    Core Competencies:

  • Driven
  • Self Motivated
  • Detailed Oriented
  • Team Oriented
  • Passionate
  • Works well under pressure
  • Dedicated

    Responsibilities:

  • Manage and oversee the day-to-day accounting functions, including, but not limited to, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll

  • Manage month end close procedures and ensure timely and accurate closing results, including performing inquiries with other departments, as needed, to ensure accuracy of input data.

  • Perform analytical review over monthly and annual financial results

  • Issue timely and complete financial statements to internal executives and third-party users

  • Work directly with external auditors for annual financial audit and 401(k) audit

  • Work directly with external tax preparers to provide requested information in an accurate and timely manner

  • Prepare accurate and timely sales tax and use tax returns

  • Prepare operations reports and projections on an as-needed basis

  • Effectively supervise and manage an accounting team, including oversight of benefit enrollment and termination procedures

  • Work directly with and effectively manage third party service providers, as needed

  • Completion of special projects, as requested

    Requirements:

  • Bachelors Degree in Accounting or related field

  • CPA license preferred

  • Preferred 5 years of related experience

  • Maintains confidentiality

  • Strong knowledge of accounting, including generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), cost accounting and cost control principles

    Strong computer skills, specifically with Office programs
    What Else Do I Need To Know About Being an Accounting Manager For ESS Metron?
    Hours:Full Time, with a minimum of 40 hours per week (may require more hours depending on the needs of the business, including some weekends).
    Start Date: Immediately
    Company Benefits Include:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vacation
  • Sick Pay
  • 401K Plan
  • Paid Holidays
  • Growth opportunities
  • Long Term Disability

    About ESS Metron
    As one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of low and medium voltage power distribution product solutions, integrated power distribution centers, custom control products, modular control buildings and skid mounted power distribution & pumping systems. With over 60 years of experience, ESS Metron has produced the highest quality products for the most demanding applications & environments know.

    EEO Statement
    ESS Metron provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, ESS Metron complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applied to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and Type: Full-time
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    Example 3

    Building and managing successful communities for more than 40 years, Associa is the worldwide leader in community association management with over 10,000 employees operating more than 180 branch offices worldwide. With three Colorado offices, the Colorado branch serves communities of all sizes and types from single family homes, condo, townhomes, large scale, mixed use and high rises with an array of customized services and solutions designed to help communities achieve their vision. To learn more about Associa and its charitable organization, Associa Cares, go to [website] or [website]

    The Accounting Manager serves as the primary liaison with Associa’s client accounting services and manages the daily operations of the Accounting Department to include overseeing and leading the monthly financial statement process. This role will oversee a team of Client Accounting Specialists and serves as a client-facing accounting liaison to support the community manager.

    Job Responsibilities include the following:
  • Applies principles of accounting to analyze financial information.
  • Oversee Accounts Receivable process for the company
  • Identity, research, resolve and communicate accounting, auditing and operational issues
  • Maintains relationships with external auditors to complete audits of year-end financial statements
  • Oversee the posting and maintenance of general ledger accounts, payroll transactions, accounts payable and general ledger adjustments
  • Oversees routine daily operations of Accounting department
  • Maintains banking relationships
  • Provides technical and financial advice and knowledge to others to include property managers and board members
  • Responsible for evaluating performance of accounting staff
  • Other duties as assigned

    Requirements
  • Must have a Bachelors Degree in Accounting or Finance
  • Five (5) years previous general ledger accounting and financial reporting experience is required, preferably in the property management industry
  • Supervisory experience is preferred
  • Must have knowledge and proficiency of Finance, Accounting, Budgeting, and Cost Control Principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
  • Experience working with Auditors is critical
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) at a proficient level
  • Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports
  • Must be very detail oriented, possess excellent follow through, and have the ability to multi-task
  • Excellent communications and interpersonal skills
  • Must be self-motivated, proactive, detail oriented and a team player
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
  • Excellent time management skills

    Benefit Summary:
  • World-Class Training
  • CAI (Community Association Industry) Course/Designation Assistance
  • Paid Time Off/Holidays
  • Comprehensive Medical Benefits
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
  • Wellness Incentives

    Compensation:
  • ​Starting at $70-80K; direct experience highly considered

    With more than 180 branch offices across North America, Associa delivers unsurpassed management and lifestyle services to nearly five million residents worldwide. Our 10,000+ team members lead the industry with unrivaled education, expertise and trailblazing innovation. For more than 40 years, Associa has provided solutions designed to help communities achieve their vision. To learn more, visit [website]

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance
    Physical Setting:
  • Office
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Location: One location
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    Example 4

    Job title

    Accounting Manager (Part Time 20 – 30 hours / week)

    Reports to

    CEO North America

    Aerocompact designs, engineers, and manufactures flat roof, ground mount, and metal roof solar mounting solutions. Our racking systems are compact, aerodynamic, and easy to install. We pride ourselves with our ability to provide intelligent racking solutions for the most challenging site conditions, e.g., with high wind/snow loads, or if required, a highly distributed ballasted ground mount solution for landfill or brownfield projects. Aerocompact has locations in the USA, Austria, and India and an additional 14 sales offices worldwide. More than 2 GW of power has been installed with mounting systems from Aerocompact.

    Job purpose

    The Accounting Manager plays a key role in Aerocompact’s corporate development:
  • As Aerocompact growth this position is key to enhance the financial planning and reporting structure and coordinate local developments with our global headquarters in Austria and international subsidiaries
  • Based on the existing structure the Accounting Manager builds an improved reporting and controlling framework and actively participates in monthly reporting and planning processes
  • The Accounting Manager closely coordinates with outside tax advisors on local, state and federal tax filings

    Duties and responsibilities

    · Assume responsibility for accounting procedures

    · Drive further development of accounting procedures in accordance with US-GAAP to support financial objectives

    · Monthly revenue and cost accruals

    · Full monthly balance sheet reconciliations

    · Gather and analyze financial information (e.g., sales revenues and liabilities) for internal use

    · Prepare / analyze monthly financial reports / year-over-year / budget to actual reports and outlook

    · Prepare monthly balance sheet reconciliations on a timely basis and maintain strong controls and sufficiently detailed supporting documentation

    · Provide financial information to management by researching and analyzing accounting data including cash flow planning including reports on the company’s financial health and liquidity

    · Comply with financial policies and regulations

    · Actively collaborate on internal and external audits

    · Enhance the internal control processes

    · Support the preparation annual tax returns including property tax returns

    · Ensure timely monthly/quarterly sales and use tax reporting

    · Maintain sales tax exemption tracking

    · Evaluate the company’s performance using key data

    · Publish financial statements in time

    · Assist with questions related to budget to actual reconciliations, research transactions as needed, identify anomalies, and initiate correction as necessary

    · Prepare and record journal entries as needed

    · Maintain an electronic filing system for all financial records

    · Issue federal 1099 forms to vendors at year-end

    · Manage company’s general ledger and financial accounts

    · Timely and accurate processing of accounting information and related reports

    · Ensure all account reconciliations are completed monthly on a timely basis

    Qualifications
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business or related financial discipline;
  • CPA or CPA candidate

    · At least 4 years progressive professional accounting experience including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, tax responsibilities, account analysis, and reporting, ideally gained in a medium sized tax consulting / CPA environment

    · Professional oral and written communication skills and a team-oriented mentality is a must

    · Excellent organizational and time management

    · Ability to prioritize and meet multiple and changing deadlines

    · High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications / Office 365 with emphasis on Excel (spreadsheet creation / editing; pivot tables, graph creation, data sorting, data analysis and formula creation)

    · Excellent problem-solving skills and analytical abilities

    · Able to work well in a team setting and flexible to work independently

    · Motivated and takes initiative

    · Strong ethical compass

    · Individual / small business tax compliance

    · German language knowledge a plus
  • SAP / SAP Business By Design knowledge a plus
  • Eager to be a part of the renewable energy future

    Working conditions

    · This position will be based in our Matthews North Carolina Office (
  • 15 miles southeast from Charlotte)

    · This position requires frequent phone / video calls – some of them with international customers and with our international headquarters in Europe.

    · Some travel within the US and international depending is required especially during the introductory phase and dependent on ongoing company growth.

    Physical requirements

    · No unusual physical requirements in daily job.

    · Ability to travel on international long distance flights and operate rental cars in foreign countries.

    Benefits

    · Competitive salary, 100% medical coverage for employee, dental, vision, 401(k) match, profit- sharing

    · 2 weeks of vacation, 12 paid annual holidays

    · Flexible hours with remote work from home an option after introductory phase

    · Ability to grow responsibilities in a fun and future oriented work environment in the high growth solar industry

    How to Apply

    · Direct your Application with Resume, Cover Letter and salary expectation

    · Find more information about Aerocompact at [website]

    Job Type: Part-time

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Charlotte, NC: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

    Experience:
  • Microsoft Excel: 2 years (Preferred)

    License/Certification:
  • CPA Location: Multiple Locations
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    Example 5

    Essential Duties AND Responsibilities:

    · Oversees posting and monthly reconciling and closing of general ledger and sub-ledgers and prepares reports that accurately summarize and forecast Company business activities and financial position in areas of income, expenses, earnings and cash flows based on past, present, and expected operations and trends.

    · Assists with preparation of budgets, budget proposals, and the necessary supporting documentation and justification.

    · Provides management with timely reviews of the organization's departmental financial status and progress in its various programs and activities.

    · Oversees finance or accounting staff – including outsourced payroll and accounting functions, as applicable. Specifically, ensuring that customers invoices are sent out timely and collected on as well. Ensure vendors are paid based on source documents in an efficient manner utilizing tools such as [website]

    · Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, which may include working additional hours beyond a normal workweek to meet such deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service.

    · Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.

    Skills AND/OR Qualifications:

    · Preferred experience working with Sage Intacct Accounting software, but related working experience with a similar accounting software/system could be considered.

    · Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office - Word, Excel and Outlook)

    · Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers.

    Certifications, Licenses, Registrations & Education AND/OR WORK Experience:

    · Two-year college degree in accounting, finance or business administration strongly preferred (Four-year college degree preferred even more)

    · At least 5 years' experience working in the accounting/finance arena.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Physical Setting:
  • Office
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Tempe, AZ 85281: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work Location: One location
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    What does an Accounting Manager do?

    Accounting Managers are an essential part of a financial management team, overseeing organizational systems for gathering data, analyzing information, confirming the accuracy of their staff’s reports and provide recommendations for improving accounting methods. An important part of an Accounting Manager’s role is understanding all types of financial operations at a company and how they work together including debts, assets, cash forecasting, payroll, capital assets and revenue analysis. They guide the implementation of new financial initiatives and generate reports to share progress with their team. Accounting Managers can make suggestions on overall company strategies to meet goals about their financial transactions.

    Accounting Manager skills and qualifications

    A successful Accounting Manager candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications needed for the job duties. Here are some of them.

    Examples of Accounting Manager skills include:


      Great interpersonal and verbal communication skills

      Sound knowledge of accounting principles, standards and regulations

      Experience in working with accounting software and databases

      Superior data management and data analysis skills

      Strong time management and organizational skills

      Detail-oriented with a passion for accuracy

      Two or more years of work experience as Accounting Manager or Finance Manager

      Bachelor’s degree or higher in Accounting, Finance or related field







    Accounting Manager salary expectations

    An Accounting Manager earns an average salary of $80,354 per year and has a typical work tenure of two to four years. Indeed has based salary estimates on 6,986 salaries gathered in the last 36 months from current and past Indeed job advertisements as well as from anonymous input from site users and people working as Accounting Managers.

    Accounting Manager education and training requirements

    A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field is a minimum requirement for entry-level Accounting Manager jobs. For more advanced positions, employers typically require candidates to have a master’s degree or higher and at least two to five years of work experience in a managerial or supervisory capacity. Accounting Managers may get continuing education certifications from accredited institutions to update their skills and advance their careers. Many employers show a preference for candidates with such voluntary certifications as they are likely to have up-to-date accounting knowledge as well as a strong work ethic.

    Accounting Manager experience requirements

    In entry-level positions, Accounting Managers will work under the direction of senior accounting managers, accounting directors or a company’s financial team. They may move on to handle more challenging managerial duties within the same company or with another one after they have gained two to five years of professional accounting experience.

    More advanced Accounting Manager candidates will have staff supervisory experience as well as experience in preparing general ledgers, financial reports, budgetary reports and financial forecasting. They will work with the company’s executive director, finance director, chief financial officer and other senior management executives to improve the financial reporting and develop more efficient workflow processes.

    Job description samples for similar positions

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    Frequently asked questions about Accounting Managers

    What makes a good Accounting Manager?

    Good Accounting Managers have strong technical skills and excellent interpersonal abilities so that they can accurately handle the financial details of a company, assess risks and implement the big-picture accounting strategies necessary to balance company finances. They take initiative to seek out inefficiencies and improve upon them so that their team can be more productive. Successful Accounting Managers are great mentors and can help junior Accountants develop industry knowledge to ensure company-wide compliance with legal regulations and standard accounting practices.

    What is the difference between an Accounting Manager and an Accountant?

    Accounting Managers are a type of Accountant. They supervise other less experienced Accountants and coordinate their efforts as a team. While Accountants specialize in financial reporting and analysis, Accounting Managers are also familiar with managing personnel and developing a team. Accounting Managers can start their career as an Accountant or in a similar field such as finance management or financial consulting. Employers generally expect Accounting Managers to have several years of experience supervising others in a finance role.

    What is the difference between an Accounting Manager and Controller?

    Controller is a more senior position than Accounting Manager and involves overseeing a financial department as a whole. They standardize company practices and determine how an organization records and reports their financial transactions and other activities. Controllers have a more strategic role while Accounting Managers help refine and implement the overall strategy. Accounting Managers are hands-on and may hire and train staff, present information to Controllers and produce financial reports for Controllers to review.

    What roles report to the Accounting Manager?

    Accounting Managers oversee other financial roles such as  Accounts Payable Specialists, Accounts Receivable Specialists, Junior Accountants and Bookkeepers. They may plan and carry out performance reviews and mentorship programs to ensure that their entire team is making decisions based on the same accounting framework and organizational goals.

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