Accounting Manager – Manufacturing Location: East Metro, Minnesota (onsite) Compensation: $115,000–$135,000 base salary, plus comprehensive benefits and profit sharing
A well-established manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to oversee core accounting operations and support financial performance across its U.S. business. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, managing the month-end close, overseeing general accounting activities, and supporting budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. The Accounting Manager will lead an accounting team while partnering with cross-functional leaders to provide financial insights, strengthen internal controls, and improve processes. The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting leader who combines strong technical accounting knowledge with analytical capabilities and a practical understanding of manufacturing operations. This individual will play an important role in connecting financial results to business performance and supporting informed operational and strategic decisions.
Key Responsibilities
Accounting Operations & Financial Reporting
- Oversee day-to-day accounting activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and cash transactions.
- Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring reporting deadlines are consistently met.
- Review journal entries, accruals, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis
- Coordinate accounting support for annual budgeting and financial planning activities.
- Collaborate with department leaders to develop budgets, forecasts, and operating plans.
- Provide meaningful financial insights to help business leaders evaluate performance and make informed decisions.
Manufacturing & Cost Analysis
- Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and other departments to understand financial and operational performance.
- Analyze manufacturing costs, labor, overhead, inventory, scrap, and production variances.
- Translate financial data into practical recommendations that support continuous improvement.
Audit, Compliance & Internal Controls
- Coordinate accounting support for annual external audits and other audit activities.
- Prepare and review audit schedules, workpapers, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
- Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, internal policies, and regulatory requirements.
Team Leadership & Business Partnership
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of approximately 5–8 accounting professionals.
- Establish priorities, performance expectations, and accountability across the accounting function.
- Build strong working relationships with operational and corporate stakeholders.
- Partner with Finance leadership on reporting enhancements, systems improvements, and special projects.
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- At least 6 years of progressive accounting experience.
- At least 2 years of experience leading, supervising, or developing accounting professionals.
- Manufacturing industry experience (open to public accounting supervisors/managers with manufacturing clients)
- Strong background in general accounting, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and financial close.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred
- Familiarity with inventory accounting, standard costing, cost accounting, and manufacturing variances.
- Experience coordinating external audits and maintaining internal controls.
- Familiarity with ERP platforms such as SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, or comparable systems.
- CPA designation or progress toward certification.