Accounting Manager - CPG Client Lead

Job description

ROLE PURPOSE Own the client relationship and full accounting delivery for an assigned portfolio of consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies — from early-stage emerging brands to scaling, VC-backed operations. The Client Lead, Accounting — CPG is the primary point of accountability for quality, timeliness, client satisfaction, and team execution across every engagement they manage. CPG companies present a distinct and demanding set of accounting challenges: complex cost structures, multi-channel revenue streams, trade spend management, inventory valuation, and margin pressure that requires precision at every level of the P&L. Founders and management teams in this space are moving fast, often undercapitalized, and counting on Graphite to give them a clear financial picture so they can make the right calls. WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED HERE This is a fully remote, client-facing role. You are the face of Graphite to your CPG clients. Your accounting expertise, industry fluency, and professional presence determine whether clients trust you — and whether they stay. The following qualities are what separate a good Client Lead from a great one in this industry. CPG Industry Fluency: You speak the language of CPG without having to look it up. Trade promotions, slotting fees, deductions management, landed cost, shrinkage, distributor margin — these are part of your daily vocabulary. Clients should feel immediately that you understand their business, not just their books. Client Relationship Ownership: You are not just delivering accounting work — you are managing a relationship with a founder or management team that is betting on Graphite. Every interaction reflects your professionalism, judgment, and commitment to their success. Proactive Communication: CPG clients face cash crunches, seasonal swings, and retailer demands that move fast. You do not wait for them to ask. You surface issues, flag trends, and manage expectations before problems become surprises. Executive Presence: Your deliverables, emails, and meeting conduct are indistinguishable from what a seasoned in-house Controller at a CPG brand would produce. Investors and board members will read your work. It needs to be that good. Responsiveness: In a remote model, your availability and responsiveness are primary signals of service quality. CPG clients move fast and their questions are often urgent. Show up for them. Judgment Under Ambiguity: Early-stage CPG companies operate with incomplete data, informal processes, and constant change. You make sound accounting decisions in that environment, apply the right guidance, and know when to escalate. Accountability: You own your portfolio — client outcomes, deliverable quality, team execution, and relationships. Success and failure both start with you. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES Client Ownership & Delivery Serve as the primary point of contact for an assigned portfolio of CPG clients, owning each relationship from onboarding through ongoing monthly delivery Oversee the full monthly close cycle for every client in the portfolio — reviewing and approving Associate and Senior Associate work before any final delivery Prepare and deliver financial statements, board reporting packages, and management-level commentary that is accurate, clear, and relevant to how CPG brands are actually managed and evaluated Proactively surface observations on margin trends, cost structure, trade spend efficiency, and working capital to help clients make better decisions — not just report on what happened CPG-Specific Accounting Manage and reconcile trade promotion accruals, deductions, and promotional liabilities with precision — this is often where CPG financials break down and where Graphite must be a source of strength Own inventory accounting across multiple channels and fulfillment models, including landed cost calculation, obsolescence reserves, and inventory reconciliation across 3PL and warehouse partners Apply appropriate COGS structure and gross-to-net revenue accounting for multi-channel CPG businesses selling through DTC, Amazon, retail, and distributor networks Manage co-packer, contract manufacturer, and supplier accruals with accuracy and appropriate documentation Support clients through slotting fee accounting, new retail placement costs, and retailer compliance charge classification Ensure revenue recognition is applied correctly across channel types, promotional periods, and return and deduction activity Technical Accounting Identify and resolve complex accounting matters including equity and SAFE transactions, deferred revenue, intercompany activity, and other issues common to VC-backed early-stage companies Apply accounting policy correctly and consistently across all engagements; surface policy gaps or ambiguities to Team Leads for resolution Ensure all client financial records are accurate, well-documented, and audit-ready at all times — CPG clients approaching Series A or B will face investor scrutiny, and the books need to be clean Team Direction Direct the day-to-day accounting work of Associates and Senior Associates across all CPG client engagements in the portfolio Review deliverables thoroughly before client delivery and provide direct, actionable feedback that builds CPG accounting competency across the team Manage close timelines and escalate capacity, quality, or coverage issues to Team Leads promptly — not after the fact Onboarding & Client Development Lead onboarding of new CPG clients, including chart of accounts design tailored to CPG P&L structures, systems setup, historical data migration, and process documentation Identify opportunities within the client portfolio to deepen Graphite’s service — particularly as clients grow, add channels, or approach fundraising milestones — and communicate those opportunities to Team Leads SCOPE & DECISION RIGHTS Owns all day-to-day accounting decisions within the assigned CPG client portfolio Directs the work of Associates and Senior Associates on client engagements Escalates technical policy questions, complex transactions, and high-risk client issues to Team Leads Does not set firm-wide accounting standards or make unilateral changes to service scope CLIENT INTERACTION Primary point of contact for all assigned clients — this is a relationship role as much as a technical one Owns all client communication on accounting matters, including day-to-day questions, close status updates, deliverable delivery, and escalation management Translates complex financial and accounting information into clear, plain-language communication for CPG founders and operators who are experts in their products — not their balance sheets Participates in client calls, board meeting preparation, investor reporting discussions, and lender or retailer financial reviews as needed Engages with CPG-specific stakeholders — including operations leads, supply chain partners, and sales teams — to gather the information needed to produce accurate financial reporting QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; CPA strongly preferred 4–7 years of accounting experience with direct ownership of month-end close; public accounting (Senior Associate or Manager level) or outsourced accounting experience strongly preferred Demonstrated, hands-on experience with CPG accounting — this is a non-negotiable requirement. We are looking for candidates who have owned the books for a CPG brand, not candidates who have worked adjacent to one Deep familiarity with trade promotion accounting, deductions management, landed cost and inventory valuation, gross-to-net revenue, and COGS structure in a multi-channel CPG context Experience working with CPG brands that sell through retail, DTC, Amazon, and distributor channels, and the accounting complexity that comes with each Familiarity with common CPG technology and operational platforms including NetSuite, QuickBooks Online, Cin7, Inventory Planner, Shopify, and 3PL management systems Strong working command of GAAP with hands-on experience applying it in startup or growth-stage CPG company contexts Demonstrated ability to manage multiple client relationships simultaneously and deliver consistently on deadlines Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate financial information clearly for founders and non-finance operators Experience with VC-backed company structures, SAFE and convertible note accounting, and investor reporting is a strong plus MEASURES OF SUCCESS Client satisfaction, trust, and retention across the assigned CPG portfolio Timeliness and accuracy of month-end close and financial reporting for every client Quality and depth of CPG-specific financial insight delivered to clients — not just accurate numbers, but numbers that help clients run their business Accuracy and completeness of trade promotion, inventory, and COGS accounting across the portfolio Effectiveness in directing and developing Associates and Senior Associates on CPG-specific accounting challenges Ability to identify, resolve, or escalate issues before they become client-facing problems — especially during high-stakes moments like fundraising, retail launches, or audits Comprehensive Benefits & Perks: Health & Wellness: Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage. 100% of the employee's health insurance premium is covered by the company. Financial Security: Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance. Work/Life Balance To Include: Generous Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO), 11 Paid Company Holidays, and comprehensive Paid Parental Leave. Remote Work Setup: Fully remote position with company-provided technology equipment and a $250 technology stipend to support your ideal home office setup. 401k: With a company match Graphite Financial is a growing boutique finance, accounting, tax, and strategy firm () built to help startup and high-growth companies scale efficiently and sustainably. Graphite Financial is redefining the “finance department” for early-stage companies and VC-backed startups. We deliver high-caliber accounting and finance leadership and support to entrepreneurs and management teams building scalable, high-growth companies. Our clients are actively managing cash burn, measuring performance, reporting to investors, making capital allocation decisions, and preparing for fundraising. All of that takes expertise and time that founders don’t have and can’t afford to hire for. Graphite bridges the gap with flexible, fixed-fee support packages that provide fractional leadership and operational support from CFOs, Controllers, FP&A Managers, and Tax leaders.