Accounting Manager

Careers with our clients through Forvis Mazars | Executive Search

The Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing the company’s accounting operations and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with US GAAP in a private equity–backed environment. This role manages a small accounting team, plays a key role in inventory and cost accounting, and supports timely and reliable financial information for management, lenders, and the private equity sponsor. The position is hands-on and operational, with a strong focus on close execution and continuous process improvement within the company’s Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) ERP environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and execute the monthly close process
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of monthly trial balance in accordance with U.S. GAAP and support reporting requirements for the private equity sponsor
• Learn the business to provide timely commentary on the monthly operating results
• Provide support for the annual external audit as requested and serve as a key point of contact with external auditors
• Oversee key accounting estimates and judgments, including accruals, reserves, and inventory-related accounts
• Oversee inventory accounting for a multi-location wholesale distribution business
• Monitor and account for inventory shrink, obsolescence, freight capitalization, rebates, and vendor programs
• Support cycle count processes and annual physical inventories, ensuring proper reconciliation and reserve adjustments
• Partner with operations and supply chain teams to improve inventory accuracy and controls
• Serve as the key accounting owner for Great Plains
• Ensure proper system configuration, data integrity, and consistent accounting treatment within the ERP, to include any add-ons
• Coordinate with IT to maintain and enhance reporting through external tools, which currently include SQL and Tableau
• Support process improvements, reporting enhancements, and system-related initiatives
• Maintain and enhance internal controls over financial reporting appropriate for a lean accounting organization in a private equity–backed environment
• Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and lender reporting requirements
• Support working capital management and covenant reporting
• Manage and develop one direct report within the accounting function
• Review work product, provide coaching, and ensure deadlines and quality standards are met
• Promote accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement
• Partner with the VP of Accounting and the Director of FP&A on budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow initiatives
• Support acquisition integration efforts as needed, including accounting alignment and process standardization
• Collaborate with operations, sales, and IT to ensure financial data supports business decision-making
• Administer the company’s T&E credit card program (issue new cards, cancel cards, review and approve limit increases, ensure expense reports are processed timely to facilitate payment)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance, CPA preferred
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience. (Can be a combination of CPA firm and industry, but needs at least 2 years in industry)
• Experience working in a private equity–backed or similarly fast-paced environment
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains)
• Advanced Excel proficiency
• Experience in distribution, wholesale, manufacturing, or other inventory-intensive environments
• Demonstrated ability to complete month-end close and support external audit requests as needed
• Hands-on, detail-oriented, and execution-focused
• Able to balance accuracy with efficiency in a deadline-driven environment
• Strong communicator with both finance and non-finance stakeholders