Accounting Manager – Accounting Operations & GL Close

Job description

**GHJ is looking for an Accounting Manager – Accounting Operations & GL Close** **WHY we get up in the morning** At GHJ, we foster a flexible, entrepreneurial environment so our people achieve their personal and professional goals. Our success is driven by retaining the best, diverse talent. We invest in our people and technology to deepen firm expertise and fuel sustainable growth. And we partner with our clients locally and globally to deliver innovative solutions. **WHAT we believe** GHJ works side by side with business leaders and nonprofit organizations to deliver responsive, high-impact advisory, tax and accounting solutions that drive real results. Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Buffalo, Denver, Orange County and San Jose and backed by our own dispersed workforce, GHJ meets clients where they are to help leaders achieve their strategic goals. **THRIVING On Our Own Terms** We are deeply committed to our core values of Bright Minds, Brave Hearts and Bold Actions and incorporate them into every aspect of our business. By living these values, GHJ measures success by the strength of our relationships, the quality of our impact and the integrity of our actions. The Firm’s independence allows us to make strategic choices to innovate, invest and evolve with purpose. Ultimately, GHJ values operational excellence, financial discipline and the courage to prioritize sustainability over size. **Summary of Role:** Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Accounting Manager is responsible for leading the firm's accounting operations and financial close process. This role oversees the integrity of the general ledger, manages core accounting functions, and ensures timely and accurate financial reporting. The successful candidate is a technically strong accounting professional who excels in leading teams, improving accounting operations, and driving execution against critical deadlines. ### You will be responsible for: - Oversee and manage daily accounting operations, including Accounts Payable, Client Billing, cash application, and other accounting workflows to ensure operational excellence. - Own and lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process, ensuring accurate, complete, and timely financial reporting. - Oversee general ledger accounting, journal entry preparation and review, account reconciliations, balance sheet integrity, and fluctuation analysis. - Review financial results, identify trends and variances, and provide meaningful budget-to-actual and financial analysis to Finance leadership. - Perform technical accounting research, interpret and apply U.S. GAAP guidance, and prepare memos and supporting documentation for complex accounting matters. - Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and established financial reporting procedures while identifying opportunities to strengthen the control environment. - Coach, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team by establishing clear expectations, reviewing work product, fostering accountability, and promoting professional growth. - Participate in finance transformation initiatives and automation efforts to improve the efficiency, scalability, and effectiveness of the Accounting function. - Leverage AI and emerging technologies to improve efficiency, enhance analyses, and drive continuous improvement while maintaining professional judgment and accountability. ### What we need from you: - A strong technical accounting foundation with the ability to independently research and apply U.S. GAAP. - Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, competing deadlines, and cross-functional initiatives. - A disciplined, timeline-driven approach to planning and execution. - Strong leadership presence with the confidence to hold individuals and teams accountable while building trust and collaboration. - Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. - Demonstrated ability to simplify complex problems and develop practical, scalable solutions. - High standards for accuracy, quality, and continuous improvement. - A growth mindset with the ability to responsibly leverage AI and emerging technologies to improve productivity while applying sound professional judgment. ### What skills & experience you’ll bring to us: - Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration (Accounting/Finance concentration), or a related business discipline. Master's degree is a plus. - CPA license preferred. - 8–10 years of progressive accounting experience. - Combination of public accounting and private industry accounting experience required, with experience supporting privately held companies and/or professional services preferred. - Advanced knowledge of U.S. GAAP, technical accounting research, financial reporting, month-end close, internal controls, and accounting policy application. - Experience preparing and analyzing financial statements, budget-to-actual reporting, and financial performance analysis. - Demonstrated success leading accounting process improvements or finance transformation initiatives. - Prior experience managing or leading high-performing accounting teams. - Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong proficiency with accounting and financial systems and applications, such as SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Avid, Concur, Ramp, Expensify, Blackline. - Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities with exceptional attention to detail. - Proven experience using AI-enabled tools to enhance accounting, financial analysis, project management, and operational efficiency.