Accounting Manager

SPARK is looking for a detail-oriented and tech-savvy Senior Accountant who loves numbers, embraces technology and knows how to turn financial data into meaningful business insights. At SPARK, we believe financial information should be accurate and easy to understand. We want someone who can go beyond spreadsheets and financial statements to create clear, visually compelling reports that help our leadership team see what's working, identify problems and make better decisions. This is an opportunity for an experienced accountant who enjoys taking ownership, improving systems and helping a growing business operate more intelligently.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Manage general ledger accounting, journal entries, account reconciliations and monthly close.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, vendor payments and client billing.
• Prepare and submit contract-required reporting on vendor and subcontractor payments, including payment verification and utilization reports, to government clients and agencies.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards and financial transactions.
• Maintain accurate financial records across QuickBooks, Ramp and related platforms.
• Prepare monthly financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Identify and resolve accounting discrepancies proactively.
• Coordinate with external accounting partners on technical accounting, tax preparation and year-end requirements.
• Maintain clear accounting procedures, internal controls and financial documentation.
• Ensure financial information is consistently accurate, current and ready for leadership review.

Financial Reporting, Technology & Data Visualization

• Develop and maintain visually intuitive financial dashboards and reports.
• Present financial performance through simple charts, tables and visual summaries that make complex information easy to understand.
• Track agency profitability, revenue, expenses, budgets and financial trends.
• Integrate and reconcile information from QuickBooks, Ramp, Scoro and other financial platforms.
• Identify financial risks, trends and opportunities, proactively bringing insights to leadership.
• Improve reporting through automation, financial technology and AI-assisted tools.
• Continuously simplify reporting so leaders can quickly understand performance and determine where action is needed.

Agency Financial Analysis & Profitability

• Prepare project and service-line profitability reports.
• Support reporting on employee labor allocation and utilization.
• Help identify projects, clients or service lines experiencing financial overruns.
• Help evaluate pricing accuracy, project margins and staffing costs.
• Work with the VP of Operations to improve the reliability of financial forecasts and profitability reporting.
• Provide accurate financial information that helps department leaders make better business decisions.

Payroll, Benefits & Employee Administration

• Process payroll accurately and on schedule, including new hires, terminations, raises, bonuses, deductions and garnishments.
• Coordinate the financial and administrative side of employee onboarding and offboarding, including tax forms, I-9 verification, direct deposit and benefits enrollment.
• Maintain complete, accurate and confidential employee files in line with record-retention requirements.
• Fund 401(k) contributions on time, reconcile deferrals and employer contributions, and coordinate with the plan administrator.
• Administer HSA contributions and reconcile employee and employer funding.
• Reconcile payroll, benefits and related liabilities to the general ledger each pay period.
• Serve as the point of contact for employee questions about pay, withholdings and benefits deductions.

Who We're Looking For

Accounting Experience

• 4–6 years of progressive accounting experience, ideally including ownership of monthly close.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Marketing agency experience a plus.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, general ledger management and financial statements.
• Experience independently managing reconciliations, journal entries, AP/AR and financial reporting.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.

Financial Technology & Data Visualization

• Advanced proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets.
• Strong experience with QuickBooks Online, ProAdvisor a plus.
• Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, visually compelling dashboards and reports.
• Curious about financial technology, automation and AI tools that improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Experience with Fathom, Power BI, Looker Studio or similar reporting tools is a plus.

Personal Attributes

• Independent: Takes ownership of responsibilities and follows through without constant oversight.
• Analytical: Naturally looks beyond the numbers to understand what's driving results.
• Visual Thinker: Appreciates clean, intuitive reporting that makes financial information easier to understand.
• Detail-Oriented: Spots inconsistencies and takes pride in getting the details right.
• Tech-Savvy: Enjoys learning new platforms and finding smarter ways to work.
• Proactive: Identifies issues and recommends solutions rather than waiting for direction.
• Collaborative: Communicates financial information clearly to people without accounting backgrounds.