Accounting Manager

JOB TITLE: Accounting Manager

FLSA: Exempt position

DEPARTMENT: Accounting

Location: Nashville, TN

REPORT TO: Controller

Job Summary:

The Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day accounting operations of the plant, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and strict adherence to internal controls.

The primary focus of this role is to serve as the critical strategic link between regional operations and Corporate Headquarters, spearheading accounting system migrations and ensuring all local financial data aligns seamlessly with corporate standards.

This role involves managing budgeting, cost accounting, and tax reporting, while fostering a high-performance team environment focused on transparency, data integrity, and accountability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Financial Reporting and Corporate Compliance

• Prepare accurate financial statements (monthly, quarterly, and annual) in compliance with GAAP/IFRS and Corporate-mandated reporting structures.
• Act as the primary financial liaison to Corporate Headquarters, ensuring that plant-level performance reviews reflect absolute data integrity and "Single Source of Truth" reporting.
• Support corporate finance and audit teams by proactively addressing internal control gaps and implementing audit recommendations.

2. Budgeting, Forecasting, and Financial Planning

• Collaborate on budget preparation and provide granular data for budget analyses under the guidance of corporate finance goals.
• Monitor budget variances and recommend corrective actions to meet both plant-level and company-wide objectives.

3. Cost Management & Process Efficiency

• Allocate costs appropriately to departments or projects, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Identify and flag operational inefficiencies or overhead cost leaks to protect the organization's bottom line.
• Work with cross-functional teams to identify inefficiencies that drive unnecessary costs.

4. Fixed Asset Management

• Maintain the fixed asset register, ensuring accurate recording of acquisitions and depreciation in compliance with corporate capitalization policies.
• Conduct periodic fixed asset reconciliations and physical verifications.

5. Sales Tax and Property Tax Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely filing of sales and property tax returns, maintaining 100% compliance with federal, state (TN), and local regulations.
• Coordinate with external tax advisors to ensure that tax filings are accurate and submitted in a timely manner.

6. Accounting System Implementation

• Lead and manage the migration of local accounting data into the Corporate ERP system to enhance operational visibility and efficiency.
• Collaborate with IT and corporate teams to ensure smooth system integration, data migration integrity, and testing.
• Provide training and support to accounting team members on new system functionalities and best practices.

7. Advanced Database Management & Data Forensics

• Leverage strong database management skills to handle large datasets related to financial reporting, inventory control, and tax filings.
• Implement effective database controls to ensure data accuracy and integrity, performing regular data audits to support corporate decision-making.

8. Team Leadership and Accountability

• Supervise and mentor accounting team staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, professional skepticism, and accountability.
• Identify training needs and develop succession plans to build a high-potential talent pipeline.

9. Internal Controls and Audit Support

• Execute the implementation of internal controls as directed by corporate policies and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a comprehensive, transparent audit trail for all financial transactions.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• ERP Expertise: Strong experience in accounting system implementation/migration (e.g., SAP, Oracle) is highly preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced database management skills (such as Excel Power Query, SQL, large dataset handling) are essential.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong knowledge of GAAP; experience in multi-state sales tax and property tax reporting.
• Professional Skepticism: The ability to identify data inconsistencies and enforce corporate standards in a decentralized environment.
• Communication: Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with the ability to report to high-level stakeholders.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in accounting/finance, preferably in manufacturing.
• Significant experience with ERP systems and data migration projects is a high priority.
• CPA, CMA, or other professional certifications are a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to walk and stand on cement floors for extended periods.
• Ability to stand, stoop, bend, and perform repetitive tasks.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to thirty pounds at a time.