Job Description Accounting Manager

Listed below are the very high-level qualifications and capabilities for anyone seeking a position as an accounting manager. This is a generic Job Description for an Accounting Manager.

Qualifications:

• BS or a BA in accounting and/or finance
• likely require a CPA or CGA designation
• familiarity with the enterprise-wide accounting system in use (Enterprise Resource Planning or ERP)
• expert with the PC software used in day-to-day operations – probably Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• intimate with Generally Accepted Accounting Principals (GAAP)
• several years of experience working under a Accounting Manager at another firm (or being one yourself if this is a lateral move)

Capabilities:

• high level knowledge of general ledgers (GL), balance sheets, and financial reporting
• know how to “close” a month, a quarter, and a year
• know how to provide timely monthly financial score cards
• have an intimate knowledge of day-to-day banking
• know where the company stands from a financial point of view at any point in time – present, past and future
• publish information required for reporting and budgeting
• help to provide a clean and accurate year-end audit
• know about and assisting with any accounting-based regulatory reporting
• hiring and training staff to work for you

Reporting

• likely report to the Controller
• probably be a key figure in financial management decisions
• would have several direct-reports – likely other accountants
• the “go-to” person for anything of a financial nature – so you’d have both a formal reporting structure, as well as lots of informal relationships
• specific company may have formalized several other key relationships – general management, senior management, director or C-level executives

Although these qualifications and job requirements are fairly general, they should apply almost everywhere. That aside, these are the basic requirements for an Accounting Manager working at a larger company. Many smaller companies would outsource this capability, and have a lower level book keeper or accountant on staff that would provide the information to the outside help.