Senior Accounting Manager

JOB SCOPE & PURPOSE

The Senior Accounting Manager oversees the organization's daily accounting operations, ensures accurate financial reporting, maintains internal controls, and supports the business's overall financial health. This position manages general accounting functions, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, financial reconciliations, and month-end and year-end closing activities.

The Senior Accounting Manager works closely with executive leadership and department managers to ensure financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. This position requires strong analytical skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee daily accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reconciliations.

• Manage month-end and year-end closing processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.

• Prepare and review financial statements, management reports, and supporting schedules.

• Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Oversee cash management activities, bank reconciliations, and financial transactions.

• Coordinate payroll accounting activities, ensuring accuracy and proper recording of payroll expenses and liabilities.

• Develop, implement, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.

• Monitor financial transactions, identify discrepancies, and implement corrective measures.

• Support annual budgeting, financial forecasting, and variance analysis.

• Coordinate with financial institutions, vendors, auditors, and other external partners.

• Supervise, train, and support accounting personnel, as applicable.

• Provide financial information and recommendations to executive leadership.

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local financial reporting requirements.

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, operational efficiency, and financial controls.

• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Manage and maintain the general ledger, ensuring accurate recording and classification of financial transactions.

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing activities.

• Prepare and review balance sheets, income statements, cash flow reports, and other financial documentation.

• Review journal entries, accruals, adjustments, and account reconciliations for accuracy and completeness.

• Analyze financial results, identify trends and variances, and communicate findings to management.

• Maintain supporting documentation and accounting records in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable

• Oversee accounts payable activities, including invoice processing, payment scheduling, vendor reconciliation, and expense classification.

• Monitor accounts receivable balances, collections, payment applications, and outstanding accounts.

• Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies, payment issues, and reconciliation differences.

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of financial transactions.

• Maintain positive working relationships with vendors, financial institutions, and internal departments.

Cash Management & Reconciliations

• Perform and review bank reconciliations, balance sheet reconciliations, and general ledger account reconciliations.

• Monitor cash balances, deposits, disbursements, and financial transactions.

• Identify and resolve discrepancies to maintain the accuracy and integrity of financial records.

• Assist with cash flow reporting and financial planning.

• Establish and monitor appropriate cash-handling procedures and internal controls.

Payroll & Financial Compliance

• Coordinate with Human Resources and payroll personnel to ensure accurate accounting of payroll expenses, deductions, benefits, and related liabilities.

• Reconcile payroll records to the general ledger and investigate discrepancies.

• Maintain compliance with applicable accounting standards, financial policies, and reporting requirements.

• Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules, documentation, and financial records.

• Identify potential financial risks and recommend improvements to internal controls.

Budgeting & Operational Support

• Assist leadership with annual budgets, financial forecasts, and departmental expense monitoring.

• Prepare budget-to-actual reports and analyze significant variances.

• Collaborate with department leaders to review expenditures and identify cost-saving opportunities.

• Provide financial analysis to support business decisions and organizational objectives.

• Evaluate existing accounting procedures and recommend process improvements.

• Support accounting system improvements, reporting enhancements, and operational initiatives.

Leadership & Department Administration

• Coordinate daily accounting activities and establish priorities to ensure deadlines are met.

• Provide direction, training, and support to accounting personnel, as applicable.

• Promote accountability, accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism within the accounting function.

• Establish and maintain effective communication with leadership and other departments.

• Ensure accounting records, documentation, and departmental procedures are organized and maintained appropriately.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field required.

• Minimum of five years of progressive accounting experience, including experience managing complex accounting functions.

• Prior supervisory or accounting management experience preferred.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred.

• Strong working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Demonstrated experience with general ledger management, financial statement preparation, and month-end and year-end closing.

• Experience overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, and balance sheet reconciliations.

• Working knowledge of payroll accounting, financial controls, and regulatory compliance.

• Proficiency with accounting software, enterprise financial systems, and Microsoft Excel.

• Experience with financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial information and communicate findings effectively.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with executive leadership, department managers, and external stakeholders.

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITY

• Comprehensive understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting standards, and internal control practices.

• Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple accounting priorities and deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to independently analyze financial information, identify discrepancies, and implement solutions.

• High level of accuracy, integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality when handling sensitive financial information.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial analysis, reconciliations, and reporting.

• Ability to evaluate accounting processes and implement improvements that strengthen financial controls and operational efficiency.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership and cross-functional departments.

• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present financial information clearly and accurately.

• Ability to work independently while maintaining accountability for departmental performance and deadlines.

• Demonstrated commitment to accuracy, continuous improvement, and organizational financial responsibility.

• Ability to adapt to changing business needs, financial systems, and organizational priorities.

• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism when addressing complex financial matters.