WHAT IS AN ACCOUNTING MANAGER ?
The Accounting Manager, reporting to the Finance and Accounting Director, will play a pivotal role in managing the finance department's daily operations. This position encompasses critical responsibilities within the financial statement close process, such as conducting monthly account reconciliations and preparing journal entries. Additionally, the role includes supervising the accounts payable functions and managing payroll-related activities.
Need-to-Know Overview of an Accounting Manager
1. Accounting Manager Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform monthly and quarterly activities in support of the financial close process
- Actively participate in the development and refinement of the monthly close process and reporting requirements following the Company’s recent merger
- Prepare and/or review journal entries and reconciliations in accordance with US GAAP
- Oversee the Accounts Payable Specialist and manage the accounts payable process including review of weekly payment run
- Prepare for the hiring of and train new staff accountant
- Manage the payroll process, including regular and special payrolls, working closely with HR to ensure timely and accurate changes to payroll, and reconciling payroll to the general ledger
- Regularly consult and collaborate with other departments to ensure completeness and accuracy of financial information
- Assist with monthly and quarterly compilation of financial results and present results to US Leadership Team
- Assist with the annual budgeting process, including quarterly budget to actual reviews by department
- Interface with auditors during an annual financial audit
- Assist with income tax compliance as needed
- Research and remain knowledgeable on technical accounting standards and assist with technical accounting assessments
- Support potential systems implementations and upgrades (ERP and procurement)
2. Accounting Manager Skills, Abilities and Experience
- Bachelors or equivalent degree in accounting, finance or a related field
- 5+ years of accounting experience with demonstrated growth
- Strong knowledge of US GAAP and relevant accounting and financial concepts
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to work with all levels of the organization
- Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced team environment and self-starter with the ability to act independently as well as collaboratively across the business
- Strong analytical skills and experience with financial analysis
- Able to manage workload and prioritize as necessary to meet deadlines while exhibiting strong time management, organizational skills and strong attention to detail
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and Word
- CPA certification or candidate seeking CPA certification preferred
- Public accounting experience followed by experience in private industry strongly preferred
- Public company and experience working in a SOX compliant environment preferred
- Life sciences/biotech industry preferred but not required
- Experience using Oracle Fusion or similar accounting ERP and payroll systems preferred
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Most careers require a combination of technical skills related to the profession and professional skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, and analytical thinking. These abilities help professionals perform effectively in different work environments and across various organizational roles.
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Many professionals begin in entry-level roles where they gain foundational knowledge and practical experience. Over time, they may progress to mid-level or senior positions that involve greater responsibility, specialization, or leadership within their organization or industry.
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Lamwork content is developed through structured review of publicly available job postings and documented hiring trends.
Editorial operations are managed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor, with research direction and final oversight by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead. Content is periodically reviewed to reflect observable labor market changes.