Client Advisory Services Manager

Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell, P.C.•Bethesda, MD

1d•Remote

About The Position

Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell, P.C. (CBM), a leading accounting and business advisory firm, is seeking a Manager-level professional who operates as a fractional CFO for a portfolio of outsourced accounting and advisory clients, with a focus on nonprofit organizations and professional service businesses. This role combines technical accounting oversight with forward-looking financial leadership. The Manager owns client relationships, leads engagement delivery, and translates financial information into insights for client leadership. The ideal candidate will bring at least six years of public accounting, advisory and/or finance leadership experience, including experience operating at a manager or engagement-lead level with responsibility for supervising staff and owning client deliverables. Experience in a Client Advisory Services (CAS) or outsourced accounting environment is strongly preferred, as this role requires managing multiple client engagements simultaneously. This role is ideal for a detail‑oriented, analytical professional who excels in a dynamic, client‑focused environment. This position includes the opportunity to help strengthen delivery today while expanding the firm's advisory capabilities and is designed for a professional who wants to grow into a future leadership role within the practice. Remote work and flexible schedule are available.

Requirements

Minimum of 6 years of accounting and finance experience, preferably within a CAS or outsourced accounting environment in public accounting
Experience operating at a manager level with responsibility for supervising staff and owning client deliverables
Strong understanding of financial and internal controls within a GAAP‑compliant environment
CPA certification strongly preferred, or equivalent professional finance credential and experience
Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field required
Proficiency with accounting and financial software (QuickBooks Online, BILL, Sage Intacct, Xero, CCH Suite, etc.) or demonstrated ability to quickly learn new systems Advanced Excel and Microsoft Office skills, with ability to develop scalable forecasting and financial modeling tools
Excellent analytical abilities with exceptional accuracy and attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple client engagements, prioritize work, and meet deadlines
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Customer‑focused team player who thrives in a dynamic environment

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in finance, or a related discipline, is preferred but not required
Exposure to analytics or reporting platforms is a plus, particularly for candidates interested in helping evolve advisory capabilities

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive financial analyses to identify trends, assess performance, and develop data‑driven insights for client decision‑making
Develop, maintain, and interpret financial models supporting cash flow forecasting, revenue and expense projections, and key performance indicators
Translate budget‑to‑actual results into actionable recommendations to improve financial and operational outcomes
Assist clients in preparing annual budgets, multi‑year financial plans, and rolling forecasts
Analyze profitability by program, department, or business unit and identify opportunities for financial efficiency
Produce dashboards and financial analytics reports for internal and external stakeholders
Assess financial implications of business scenarios, new initiatives, and organizational changes
Collaborate with client leadership to interpret financial results, establish metrics, and strengthen financial stewardship
Present financial information and analysis to executive leadership, Boards of Directors, and Finance Committees
Own engagements from planning through delivery, including deadlines, staffing coordination and client communication
Serve as the lead advisor on complex or non-routine client matters, addressing them directly coordinating appropriate team members and resources to reach resolution
Maintain accountability for delivery of agreed scope of services and identify opportunities for additional services that enhance value for the client
Maintain proactive, consistent communication with clients and team members to support strong working relationships
Coordinate with tax and other specialty teams to support integrated client service delivery
Review financial statements and other key deliverables prepared by controller- and senior-level staff for accuracy, consistency, and advisory value
Lead and mentor accounting staff assigned to engagements, providing direction, review, and professional development
Oversee accounting operations staff, including those providing A/R, A/P, payroll, and general ledger functions, to support reliable financial reporting
Foster proactive and consistent communication with staff, partners, and cross-functional teams to maintain alignment on deadlines, priorities, and client needs
Strengthen processes and workflows to improve efficiency, scalability, and service delivery
Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team
Demonstrate strong organizational, time‑management and analytical skills
Continue developing technical, industry and advisory expertise
Support training and mentoring of personnel
Build and strengthen client relationships through an entrepreneurial, service‑focused approach
Participate in business development activities, including networking and referral development
Perform other responsibilities consistent with the role