Overview

The Accounting Manager is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and control of all financial transactions impacting plant performance. As a key member of the management team, this role provides timely and relevant financial insights based on operational results, leads the month-end close and reporting processes, and drives annual planning and monthly forecasting activities. The Accounting Manager partners closely with leadership to support decision-making, cost management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Reports to: CFO

Reporting employees: 1-2

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the month-end closing process, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with company policies.
• Ensure ERP systems and related modules interface correctly with the general ledger.
• Review and manage journal entries, trial balances, and account reconciliations to ensure financial accuracy and integrity.
• Prepare, analyze, and present financial results, including variance analysis versus plan and forecast, with clear and insightful commentary.
• Support cash flow planning by determining cash requirements and monitoring financial performance.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and prepare monthly forecasts based on operational and financial performance indicators.
• Participate in monthly KPI review meetings and provide financial guidance to management.
• Host and support external audits as required.
• Ensure perpetual inventory accuracy by validating inventory transactions, including shipping, receiving, transfers, and scrap.
• Partner with production control and operations teams to maintain accurate bills of materials and standard costs, including cost rolls, new product introductions, and engineering changes.
• Support and assist with physical inventory counts and reconciliations.
• Champion cost improvement and operational efficiency initiatives.
• Approve plant purchases within delegated authority.
• Provide financial support to management through ad-hoc analysis and special projects.

Compensation & Start Timing

• Salary: $90,000+ annually, depending on experience.
• Bonus: Target annual bonus of approximately 10% of base salary.
• Start Date: Flexible; priority is securing the right candidate rather than immediate availability.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Master’s degree and/or professional certifications are a plus.

Experience

• Minimum of five years of hands-on accounting experience in a manufacturing environment; automotive manufacturing experience is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of four years of leadership or supervisory experience in a professional setting.
• Manufacturing experience is required; candidates from other industries may be considered if they bring strong manufacturing exposure and transferable skills.
• Experience with Toyota production environments and Oracle ERP systems is preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong working knowledge of accounting principles and manufacturing cost accounting.
• Proven leadership and people management skills with the ability to build positive working relationships.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present effectively at multiple organizational levels.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to lead projects, make sound decisions, and know when to seek guidance or assistance.
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong customer service orientation, supporting both internal and external stakeholders.

Language & Systems

• Strong English communication skills (verbal and written).
• Japanese language skills are helpful but not required.
• Experience with ERP systems (Oracle preferred).
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Combination of office and manufacturing plant environments with moderate noise levels.
• Use of personal protective equipment may be required in certain areas.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods, work at a computer for long durations, and occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.

Must-Have Attributes

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with a management-focused mindset.
• Ability to complete tasks accurately and efficiently under tight deadlines.
• Effective communication that fosters positive relationships with the local team.
• Strong organizational skills and timely follow-up.
• Active listening skills with the ability to understand and respond appropriately.