Accounting Manager

Position Summary

The Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Accounting Department to ensure the timely, accurate, and compliant recording of financial transactions. This position manages the accounting and accounts payable teams, maintains the integrity of the general ledger, coordinates the month-end and year-end closing activities, prepares and reviews financial analyses and reconciliations, and ensures compliance with company policies, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and applicable tax and regulatory requirements.

The Accounting Manager works closely with the Accounting Director to support financial reporting, internal controls, process improvements, audits, and strategic initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Accounting Operations

• Supervise the day-to-day activities of the accounting and accounts payable staff.
• Provide leadership, coaching, training, performance evaluations, and professional development for departmental employees.
• Ensure accounting transactions are recorded accurately and timely in accordance with GAAP and company policies.
• Coordinate the monthly and annual financial close process to ensure all close activities are completed on schedule.
• Review and approve journal entries prepared by accounting staff, and post journal entries prepared by the Accounting Director and other authorized personnel.
• Ensure proper accounting treatment of routine transactions and escalate unusual or complex transactions to the Accounting Director.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare and review monthly account reconciliations for balance sheet accounts.
• Review account analyses and investigate significant fluctuations and variances.
• Prepare and review expense analyses and supporting schedules.
• Assist with the preparation of monthly and annual financial statements and management reports.
• Develop and maintain schedules supporting external financial reporting requirements.
• Provide financial analysis and reporting to management as requested.

Accounts Payable Oversight

• Manage the accounts payable function to ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices and vendor payments.
• Review AP invoices prior to submission for approval and payment processing.
• Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies and approval requirements.
• Oversee the three-way matching process (purchase order, receiving documentation, and vendor invoice) to ensure payment accuracy.
• Resolve invoice discrepancies and vendor issues in coordination with purchasing and operating departments.
• Monitor vendor aging and payment schedules.

Compliance and Tax Reporting

• Review and assist in the preparation of sales tax, use tax, property tax, and other required tax filings.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local reporting requirements.
• Support annual audits by coordinating internal and external audit requests and responses, delegating tasks, and tracking completion of deliverables..

Internal Controls

• Maintain and strengthen internal accounting controls.
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties and compliance with company policies.
• Identify control deficiencies, and recommend corrective actions

Systems and Process Improvement

• Participate in accounting system implementations, upgrades, and testing.
• Develop and document accounting procedures and SOPs.
• Collaborate with Accounts Payable, Inventory, Operations, and other departments to improve end-to-end accounting processes, eliminate operational bottlenecks, and enhance cross-functional efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for workflow improvements and process standardization.
• Assist in the implementation of new accounting policies and procedures.

Management Responsibilities

• Establish departmental priorities and ensure deadlines are consistently met.
• Monitor workload distribution and staffing needs.
• Serves as the primary liaison between the Accounting Director and the accounting staff, ensuring priorities are communicated, deadlines are met, and deliverables are completed accurately and on time.
• Foster a collaborative and customer-service-oriented work environment.
• Serve as a resource for other departments regarding accounting policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• CPA designation a plus.

Experience

• Five to eight years of progressive accounting experience.
• Minimum of three years of supervisory or management experience.
• Experience managing accounts payable and general accounting functions.
• Experience in financial reporting, account reconciliations, and month-end close.
• Experience with ERP accounting systems.  JD Edwards a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting principles.
• Thorough understanding of internal controls and accounting best practices.
• Knowledge of sales tax and other business tax reporting requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and employee development skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools.

Key Competencies

• Leadership
• Accountability
• Financial Analysis
• Decision Making
• Attention to Detail
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Process Improvement
• Time Management
• Communication
• Customer Service
• Continuous Improvement

Reporting Relationship

Reports To: Accounting Director

Supervises:

• Senior Accountant(s)
• Staff Accountant(s)
• Accounts Payable Supervisor
• Accounts Payable Specialists

Working Conditions

• Primarily office environment.
• Extended hours may be required during month-end, year-end, audit, or special projects.

Performance Expectations

Success in this role is measured by:

• Accurate and timely completion of month-end and year-end close activities.
• Timely review and postings of reconciliations and journal entries.
• Accurate and timely financial reporting support with minimal audit adjustments.
• Effective supervision and development of accounting personnel.
• Timely processing and approval of vendor payments.
• Compliance with tax reporting and regulatory filing requirements.
• Accurate and well-documented accounting procedures and process documentation.
• Continuous improvement of accounting processes and internal controls. Strong collaboration with management and other departments.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

Empire Merchants offers a competitive compensation package including:

• 16 Observed Holidays, PTO, vacation accrual
• Health Plan options (medical, dental, vision, disability coverage, life insurance, parental leave, and other voluntary plans), 401K (with Company Contributions).
• Flexible Spending Account and Pre-Tax Transit Commuter Program, industry certifications (WSET), tuition reimbursement and more.
• The range of 105,000 - 125,000 is an estimate for this position.  The company will evaluate a specific candidate's education, skills and experience when making an offer

·       PHYSICAL DEMANDS

·       The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

·       While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The associate frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and climb or balance. The associate must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

·       Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

·       WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT

·       The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

·       While performing the duties of this job the associate is regularly exposed normal business office environment. The ability to share workspace, travel by car or train, dress in proper business attire, attend evening meetings and meet deadlines are all requirements of this position. Associate is often required to be in the market and may require exposure to inclement weather.