General Accounting Manager-Systems & Analytics

Smithfield Foods•Smithfield, VA

About The Position

The General Accounting Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and managing general accounting activities, financial analysis, and decision support to ensure accurate and timely financial results. This role oversees general ledger accounting, month-end close, reporting, and process improvements while ensuring compliance with internal finance policies, SOX requirements, and U.S. GAAP. The position partners closely with business and finance leaders, provides oversight of co-sourced accounting activities, supports audits and strategic initiatives, and drives continuous improvement and data governance practices through technology, automation, and strong financial controls.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Accounting, or related discipline from an accredited college or university and 5+ years related experience; required.
2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership is required.
Thorough knowledge of accounting and business principles, including U.S. GAAP, internal controls, and financial policies.
Strong experience with general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, financial analysis, and reporting.
Knowledge of SAP ERP systems preferred.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong working knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications.
Strong decision-making, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
Solid mathematical aptitude with the ability to interpret and analyze financial data.
Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with the ability to think creatively and anticipate business impacts.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to effectively collaborate across functions and build trusted business relationships.
Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and sound business judgment.
Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.
Committed to fostering a respectful, approachable, and positive workplace culture.

Nice To Haves

CPA designation preferred.
Public accounting experience strongly encouraged.

Responsibilities

Perform accounting activities in accordance with GAAP, SOX 404, and company policies; maintain and update process documentation and controls.
Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, calculations, analyses, and supporting documentation for core business entities, joint ventures, and partnerships.
Coordinate and oversee month-end close activities, implement error-prevention controls, resolve issues, and ensure accurate and timely financial results.
Review and monitor accounting activities performed by IBM, ensuring policy compliance, quality deliverables, timely execution, and effective issue resolution.
Prepare and analyze financial reports, SG&A results, account variances, and flux commentary; research and explain financial results to management and business partners.
Serve as the primary accounting liaison for assigned functions, providing reporting support, budgeting guidance, coding direction, issue resolution, and accounting expertise.
Assist with SG&A budget development and provide financial insights to support planning and informed business decisions.
Respond to audit, tax, regulatory, and financial reporting requests by leveraging a strong understanding of financial statements and underlying transactions.
Identify and implement process improvements, system enhancements, accounting tools, automation, and AI solutions to improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency.
Support acquisitions, system conversions, and software implementations; serve as subject matter expert for accounting systems, SAP processes, and RTR master data governance.
Partner with Finance, FP&A, Financial Reporting, and other stakeholders to research transactions, resolve issues, assess accounting impacts, and improve processes.
Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.