Accounting Manager

Aston Carter•Hartford, CT

6d•$30 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

The Accounting Manager leads core accounting and payroll functions, oversees a team of five, and ensures accurate, timely financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). This role manages the full accounting cycle, including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and monthly and annual close, while continuously improving processes, systems, and internal controls. The Accounting Manager works closely with senior leadership to provide vital financial information that supports strategic decision-making and maintains a strong focus on customer service and cross-departmental collaboration.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), including practical experience with journal entries, accounts payable, accounts receivable, monthly close, payroll posting, financial reporting, and cost allocation.
Minimum of five (5) years of related accounting and payroll experience, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory capacity.
Proven supervisory experience managing accounting or payroll staff, including hiring, training, coaching, and performance oversight.
Demonstrated experience with payroll processing, including directing payroll operations, reconciling payroll data, and working with third-party payroll providers.
Proficiency with accounting and financial software, including experience using Excel and BlackBaud or similar systems.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word, and strong overall MS Office and Windows skills.
Ability to write, maintain, and support financial and payroll reports and queries using appropriate reporting tools.
Strong financial reporting skills, including preparation and review of monthly close activities, reconciliations, and journal entries.
Experience with budgeting, audit support, and cost allocation processes.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
Strong customer service orientation and the ability to build effective working relationships across departments.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and proactively address issues.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in performing financial projections and decision-making.
Ability to supervise staff effectively, provide constructive feedback, and foster a collaborative team environment.
Knowledge and understanding of federal and state laws governing funding and payroll-related regulations.
Strong mathematical skills and the ability to calculate, interpret, and apply mathematical concepts in financial analysis.
Ability to work onsite full-time in an office environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration required; in lieu of a degree, a minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience in an Accounting or Payroll Manager position is required.
Familiarity with accounting software systems beyond Excel and BlackBaud is preferred.
Experience overseeing transitions between payroll systems, such as to Paycom or similar platforms, is beneficial.
Experience working with third-party payroll providers and managing interfaces for withholdings and garnishments.
Demonstrated ability to design and deliver training for timekeepers or staff involved in time and attendance processes.
Experience in environments with a strong mission-driven or family-oriented culture is a plus.
Proactive mindset with the ability to identify process improvements and implement best practices in accounting and payroll operations.

Responsibilities

Oversee all core accounting functions, including payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger journal entries, and monthly and annual close processes.
Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures that meet current and future organizational needs.
Ensure financial reporting tools, processes, and internal controls are in place, functioning effectively, and aligned with GAAP.
Verify that all applicable entries related to monthly and annual close are accurately prepared and posted.
Review preparation of monthly cost allocations, depreciation, accrued payroll, accrued vacation, indirect entries, and all reallocation entries associated with completed personnel action forms.
Approve and post all monthly journal entries prepared by the Staff Accountant and Accounts Receivable Specialist.
Manage the efficient operation of timekeeping processes and systems by evaluating current procedures, recommending and implementing process improvements and system modifications, and ensuring compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
Review time and attendance logs for accuracy and compliance, and address discrepancies as needed.
Develop, implement, and administer training plans for timekeepers and provide ongoing support for timekeeping inquiries.
Monitor the use of timekeeping mechanisms with attention to cost, efficiency, and emerging methods or technologies.
Direct the processing of payroll to ensure timely, accurate payroll production and appropriate checks and balances.
Identify, resolve, and communicate payroll issues, coordinating with internal departments and external organizations involved in payroll-related interfaces and withholdings.
Process payroll as needed in the absence of the Payroll Coordinator to maintain continuity of operations.
Serve as the primary point of contact for vendors regarding wage garnishments and ensure garnishments are processed and responded to in a timely manner, especially in the Payroll Coordinator’s absence.
Write, maintain, and support a variety of reports and queries using appropriate reporting tools to meet ongoing internal customer needs.
Assist in the development and standardization of recurring financial and payroll reports.
Help maintain data integrity across financial and payroll systems by running queries, analyzing data, and resolving discrepancies.
Prepare payroll journal entries after transmission of payroll data and ensure all amounts reconcile to the third-party payroll provider’s records.
Stay current with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and laws governing payroll and related compliance matters, and ensure organizational adherence.
Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and maintain all accounting records in accordance with GAAP.
Provide the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and senior leadership with timely, relevant financial information to support decision-making.
Lead the hiring, training, and retention of competent accounting staff to support departmental objectives.
Provide coaching, guidance, support, and professional development opportunities to accounting staff to enhance performance and engagement.
Drive continuous improvement of accounting and financial systems and processes to achieve best practices, efficiency, and high-quality output.
Ensure that accounting staff deliver a high standard of teamwork, customer service, and cross-departmental collaboration.
Exercise sound judgment in performing financial projections and analyses to support planning and budgeting activities.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders during audits and support budgeting and cost allocation activities as needed.