Accounting manager
Controller Job Description
Accounting managers oversee the operations of an organization’s accounting department. They analyze and report financial information, assist with tax processing, and create financial statements to present to the company’s board of directors. They supervise the daily activities in the accounting department, analyze, record, track, and audit financial information, and manage accounting staff members.
Accountants in every subfield need strong financial analysis skills. These skills let accounting managers effectively manage accountants and set goals and priorities for their division. Accounting managers act as leaders within their departments, coordinating with executives to discuss the organization’s goals and creating plans for staff accountants to meet those goals. They must effectively communicate with executives and subordinates to meet goals and manage their division. Therefore, they need strong verbal and written communication skills. need organizational skills to manage multiple employees and tasks at the same time. They must oversee their entire division while maintaining organized documents. To effectively oversee their accounting team, accounting managers need strong management skills. They direct team assignments to ensure the team meets the organization’s goals. At the management level, accountants contribute to their organization’s long-term goals by proposing methods to improve efficiency and lower costs, which requires strong planning skills.
Accounting managers generally have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance and several years of accounting experience. In addition, many accounting managers also have a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential, which is obtained by passing a national exam and a completing a minimum number of college coursework hours.
Typical duties of a Controller
• Oversee and manage the general accounting functions, including, but not limited to: accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and taxes
• Help with quarterly and year-end financial audit activities and the annual corporate financial controls audit
• Assess current practices and procedures, and make recommendations for improvements
• Prepare, review, and analyze financial statements to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Perform ad hoc analysis and projects as requested
• Supervise and/or manage general ledger accounting functions
• Develop staff by managing performance, setting goals, providing ongoing training, and maintaining strong employee relationships
• Work with external auditors to ensure correct and timely closing and reporting at year-end
Skills: Listening and interpersonal skills, leadership, written and verbal communication, relationship building, negotiation, organization and task management
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance