Accounting and Financial Outsourcing Manager - Equine

Dean Dorton•Lexington, KY

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager leads a portfolio of outsourced accounting engagements and serves in a controller capacity for Equine clients. The role is accountable for the quality and timeliness of financial reporting, engagement team performance, and the overall client experience. The Manager applies a thorough understanding of each client’s business to guide financial decisions, strengthen accounting processes and controls, and address complex accounting matters. In collaboration with Senior Managers and Directors, the Manager oversees engagement scope, staffing, and financial performance while developing team members and supporting the growth of the Equine practice. Dean Dorton’s outsourced accounting team partners with organizations to provide CFO, controller, and accounting services. By delivering cloud-based, real-time financial data and translating complex information into meaningful advice, the team helps clients make strategic business decisions and manage cash flow. This is an in-office position based in the Lexington, Kentucky office. After the first year of employment, the position has a minimum expectation of three days in the office per week. The average schedule is 42–45 hours per week, with a minimum requirement of 2,200 hours per year. The role may require flexibility to serve clients across the United States and internationally, including across time zones.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience, in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
Six or more years of experience in an accounting or finance role.
Proficiency in accounting software programs and tools, such as Bill.com and Sage Intacct, may be required.
Ability to serve clients across the United States and internationally, with flexibility to accommodate client needs across time zones, including the Pacific Time Zone.
Average schedule of 42–45 hours per week and minimum requirement of 2,200 hours per year.
Ability to work in the Lexington, Kentucky office, with a minimum expectation of three days in office per week after the first year of employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience as an Assistant Controller or Controller is preferred.
Prior accounting experience serving Equine industry clients or businesses is preferred, including horse farms, breeding or racing operations, sales companies, or related ownership structures.

Responsibilities

Lead accounting and financial reporting for assigned clients, overseeing month-end and year-end close processes, reconciliations, and financial statements under the applicable reporting framework.
Review work prepared by Senior Consultants, Consultants, and Associates; resolve complex accounting issues and ensure deliverables meet firm quality standards before release, obtaining additional leadership review when needed.
Apply Equine industry knowledge to horse farm operations, breeding and racing activities, sales, ownership structures, and related accounting and financial reporting requirements.
Interpret financial results and lead client discussions about operating performance, cash flow, budgets, forecasts, and industry-relevant metrics; recommend actions that support client objectives.
Evaluate internal controls and accounting workflows, and implement improvements that strengthen reporting accuracy, efficiency, and safeguarding of client assets.
Oversee client onboarding and accounting system implementations, establishing reporting requirements, workflows, responsibilities, and a sustainable transition to ongoing service.
Coordinate year-end accounting and tax-ready financial information with tax professionals and other advisors, identifying and addressing issues promptly.
Manage engagement scope, timelines, staffing, and budgets; monitor work in process and realization, support timely billing and collections, and address scope changes with firm leadership and clients.
Own day-to-day client relationships, set service expectations, and serve as the primary escalation point for engagement concerns; involve Senior Managers or Directors when appropriate.
Plan and delegate work across engagement teams, balancing capacity, skill levels, and client deadlines; remain accountable for completion and quality.
Provide timely, actionable review feedback and coaching, developing team members’ technical judgment, client communication, and ability to work independently.
Address missed expectations and performance concerns promptly, partnering with Career Advisors and firm leadership on development needs and follow-through.
Communicate financial information clearly to owners, executives, and other stakeholders, adapting recommendations to their business needs and financial understanding.
Exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and raise accounting risks, client concerns, and resource constraints early with proposed solutions.
Model accountability and collaboration, meet productivity and client service expectations, and guide teams through changing priorities and process improvements.
Provide guidance and training to AFO team members on technical skills, accounting software, and industry-specific knowledge.
Champion software and technology initiatives within the outsourced accounting team, leading training sessions and process improvements.
Develop a baseline understanding of the firm’s services and collaborate with other service groups to provide effective client service and identify opportunities for multi-service projects.
Participate in firm-sponsored events and activities and other team or firm contributions, such as recruiting, process improvement, training development, internal committees, career advising, and business development.