Accounting Manager Job Description Template - 2025 Guide

An Accounting Manager oversees accounting operations, manages financial reporting processes, and leads accounting teams to ensure accurate and timely financial information. They serve as a critical bridge between day-to-day accounting activities and strategic financial management, ensuring compliance with accounting standards while supporting business decision-making through reliable financial data.

Key Highlights

• Average Salary Range: $65,000 - $95,000 annually
• Experience Level: 5-8 years in accounting with 2-3 years management experience
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA preferred
• Team Leadership: Manages 3-8 accounting staff members
• Key Skills: Financial reporting, team management, GAAP knowledge, accounting software proficiency
• Growth Path: Finance Manager, Controller, Finance Director

Why This Role Matters

Accounting Managers play a pivotal role in maintaining the financial health and integrity of organizations. They ensure that financial records are accurate, compliant, and delivered on time, enabling executives to make informed strategic decisions. As the leader of the accounting function, they build and maintain systems that support business growth while managing risk through proper financial controls.

Beyond technical expertise, Accounting Managers develop talent within their teams, implement process improvements, and serve as trusted advisors to other departments on financial matters. Their work directly impacts investor confidence, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency across the entire organization.

Primary Job Description Template

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to lead our accounting team and oversee all aspects of financial reporting and accounting operations. You will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of financial statements, managing month-end and year-end closing processes, and maintaining compliance with accounting standards and regulations.

In this role, you will manage a team of accounting professionals while working closely with senior finance leadership to support strategic business initiatives. You will implement best practices, drive process improvements, and ensure that our accounting function operates efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of stakeholders both internal and external.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting knowledge with proven leadership abilities and excellent communication skills. You will serve as a subject matter expert on accounting policies and procedures while fostering a collaborative team environment that promotes professional growth and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting Leadership: Oversee preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP
• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop accounting staff including performance management, training, and career development planning
• Month-End Close Process: Manage and streamline month-end closing procedures to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting
• Accounts Payable/Receivable Oversight: Supervise AP/AR processes, cash management, and collections activities to optimize working capital
• Budget Support: Assist in annual budgeting process and provide variance analysis comparing actual results to budget and forecasts
• Audit Coordination: Serve as primary liaison with external auditors and coordinate internal audit activities and responses
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance accounting processes, implement automation, and improve operational efficiency
• Compliance Management: Ensure adherence to accounting policies, internal controls, and regulatory requirements
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with operations, sales, and HR teams to support business initiatives with financial expertise
• Systems Management: Oversee accounting software systems, lead implementations, and ensure data integrity across financial platforms

Requirements

Must-Have Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience with 2+ years in supervisory role
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements
• Proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP, or similar ERP systems)
• Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and financial modeling
• Experience with month-end close processes and financial statement preparation
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• CPA certification or progress toward certification
• Experience with public company reporting (10-K, 10-Q, SOX compliance)
• Knowledge of tax accounting and compliance requirements
• Experience with accounting system implementations or upgrades
• Six Sigma or process improvement certification

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: $65,000 - $95,000 based on experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision insurance with company contribution
• Professional Development: CPA exam support, continuing education, and conference attendance
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid remote options and flexible scheduling
• Career Growth: Clear advancement path to Controller and senior finance roles
• Bonus Opportunities: Annual performance bonus and profit-sharing programs

Context Variations

Corporate Environment

Large corporations require Accounting Managers with experience in complex reporting structures, multi-entity consolidations, and regulatory compliance. Emphasis on SOX controls, public company reporting requirements, and cross-functional collaboration with multiple business units and departments.

Startup Environment

Startups need Accounting Managers who can build accounting functions from the ground up, wear multiple hats, and adapt quickly to changing business needs. Focus on establishing processes, implementing systems, and supporting rapid growth while maintaining financial controls and investor reporting requirements.

Remote/Hybrid Environment

Remote Accounting Managers must excel at virtual team leadership, digital collaboration, and maintaining accounting controls in distributed work environments. Strong communication skills and proficiency with cloud-based accounting systems are essential for success in remote settings.

Industry Considerations

Industry	Unique Requirements
Manufacturing	Cost accounting knowledge, inventory management, standard costing systems
Technology	Revenue recognition (ASC 606), stock compensation accounting, SaaS metrics
Healthcare	Regulatory compliance, insurance billing, cost reporting requirements
Retail	Inventory accounting, point-of-sale systems, seasonal reporting challenges
Real Estate	Property accounting, depreciation schedules, tenant accounting systems
Non-Profit	Grant accounting, fund accounting, compliance with donor restrictions

Compensation Guide

Salary Information

National Average Range: $65,000 - $95,000 annually

Metro Area	Salary Range	Cost of Living Adjustment
New York, NY	$75,000 - $110,000	+25% above national average
San Francisco, CA	$80,000 - $115,000	+30% above national average
Chicago, IL	$68,000 - $98,000	+10% above national average
Dallas, TX	$63,000 - $90,000	-5% below national average
Atlanta, GA	$62,000 - $88,000	-8% below national average
Denver, CO	$67,000 - $95,000	+5% above national average
Phoenix, AZ	$61,000 - $87,000	-10% below national average
Remote Positions	$60,000 - $90,000	Adjusted based on location

Factors Affecting Compensation:

• CPA Certification: +$5,000-$10,000 premium
• Public Company Experience: +$8,000-$15,000 premium
• Team Size Managed: +$2,000-$5,000 per additional team member
• Industry Specialization: +$3,000-$8,000 for complex industries

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, PayScale, and Glassdoor data analysis (2025)

Interview Questions

Technical/Functional Questions

1. Walk me through your month-end close process and how you ensure accuracy and timeliness. Evaluate: Process knowledge, attention to detail, time management

2. How would you handle a situation where your team consistently misses month-end deadlines? Evaluate: Problem-solving, leadership, process improvement

3. Explain the key differences between cash and accrual accounting, and when each might be appropriate. Evaluate: Technical knowledge, communication skills

4. Describe your experience with implementing internal controls and ensuring compliance. Evaluate: Risk management, regulatory knowledge, implementation skills

5. How do you stay current with changes in accounting standards and regulations? Evaluate: Professional development, adaptability, continuous learning

6. What accounting software systems have you worked with, and how do you evaluate new systems? Evaluate: Technical proficiency, change management, systems thinking

7. Tell me about a complex accounting issue you resolved and how you approached it. Evaluate: Problem-solving, technical expertise, analytical skills

8. How do you ensure data accuracy when working with large volumes of financial transactions? Evaluate: Attention to detail, quality control, process design

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to deliver difficult news to senior management about financial results. Evaluate: Communication skills, professional courage, stakeholder management

2. Tell me about a time you improved an accounting process. What was the impact? Evaluate: Innovation, change management, results orientation

3. Give me an example of how you developed a team member who was struggling. Evaluate: Leadership, coaching ability, patience, development skills

4. Describe a situation where you had to manage competing priorities with tight deadlines. Evaluate: Time management, prioritization, stress management

5. Tell me about a time you disagreed with your supervisor on an accounting treatment. Evaluate: Professional judgment, communication, ethical standards

6. How do you handle situations where non-finance teams resist accounting requirements? Evaluate: Influence skills, collaboration, relationship building

Culture Fit Questions

1. What motivates you most about accounting and finance work? Evaluate: Passion, career alignment, intrinsic motivation

2. How do you balance the need for accuracy with the pressure for speed in financial reporting? Evaluate: Judgment, quality focus, business understanding

3. Describe your ideal work environment and team culture. Evaluate: Cultural fit, team preferences, work style

4. What do you find most challenging about managing an accounting team? Evaluate: Self-awareness, leadership challenges, realistic expectations

Hiring Tips

Quick Sourcing Guide

Top Platforms:

• LinkedIn: Target professionals with accounting and finance backgrounds in relevant industries
• Robert Half/Accountemps: Specialized accounting and finance recruiting with pre-screened candidates
• Indeed: Post with detailed requirements to attract qualified local candidates
• CPA Society Job Boards: Access certified professionals actively seeking opportunities

Professional Communities:

• American Institute of CPAs (AICPA): Network with certified professionals
• Institute of Management Accountants (IMA): Connect with management accounting specialists
• Local CPA Society Chapters: Access regional accounting professional networks

Posting Optimization Tips:

• Include specific accounting software requirements in job titles
• Highlight growth opportunities and professional development support
• Mention CPA certification benefits and continuing education support
• Use industry-specific keywords for targeted reach

Red Flags to Avoid

During Screening:

• Frequent job changes without clear career progression or legitimate reasons
• Inability to explain basic accounting concepts clearly and accurately
• No experience with modern accounting software or resistance to technology
• Lack of team leadership examples despite claiming management experience
• Poor communication skills when explaining technical concepts
• Unwillingness to discuss specific achievements or provide measurable results

FAQ Section