Accounting Manager — Greater Los Angeles, CA | Pacific Executive Search

Accounting Manager

(Job ID: 1902)

Greater Los Angeles, CA

Direct Hire

Manufacturing

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Overview

Join a dynamic team as an Accounting Manager, where you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial integrity of a leading fluid milk manufacturing plant. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact through accurate financial reporting and operational collaboration. You will thrive in a culture that values teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement, while also gaining valuable experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment that fosters professional growth and development.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily accounting operations, including general ledger management, accounts payable and receivable, and cash transactions, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Lead the month-end and year-end close processes, preparing and reviewing journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules to meet deadlines.
Maintain robust internal controls over financial transactions and reporting to safeguard company assets.
Enhance ERP systems and accounting processes, documenting procedures and workflows for improved efficiency.
Support internal and external audits by preparing reconciliations and documentation, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Assist in the annual budgeting and forecasting processes, providing insights to drive financial performance.
Supervise and mentor accounting staff, fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring high-quality output.

Qualifications

Must-Have:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting experience, ideally in a manufacturing or food production setting.
Proven expertise in month-end close, account reconciliations, and financial reporting.
Proficiency with ERP systems; experience with Sage 100 is strongly preferred.
Strong knowledge of GAAP and general accounting principles, along with advanced Excel skills.
Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Nice-to-Have:
Experience in food, beverage, or dairy manufacturing.
Prior involvement in audit preparation and coordination.

Accounting Management — Frequently Asked Questions

What does an Accounting Manager do day-to-day?
An Accounting Manager oversees the monthly close process, manages a team of staff and senior accountants, ensures financial statements comply with GAAP, and serves as the primary liaison with external auditors. They typically own specific areas of the general ledger, review journal entries, and drive process improvements across the accounting function. At many companies, this role is the bridge between hands-on accounting work and strategic financial leadership.
What qualifications do employers look for in an Accounting Manager?
Most employers require a CPA credential, 5–8 years of progressive accounting experience (ideally starting in public accounting at a Big 4 or regional firm), strong GAAP knowledge, ERP proficiency (NetSuite, SAP, Oracle), and demonstrated team leadership. Industry-specific experience—such as manufacturing, real estate, or financial services—often differentiates candidates at this level.
What is the typical career path from Accounting Manager?
Accounting Managers typically advance to Assistant Controller or Controller within 2–4 years. High performers with strategic orientation and cross-functional exposure may progress to Director of Accounting or VP of Finance. The key differentiator at this stage is moving from technical execution to business partnership—communicating financial results to non-finance stakeholders and driving decisions beyond the close process.
How is an Accounting Manager different from a Controller?
An Accounting Manager usually owns a portion of the accounting function—managing a team, overseeing specific ledger areas, and executing the monthly close. A Controller owns the entire accounting function, sets policy, manages the external audit relationship, and reports to the CFO or CEO. Controllers carry broader strategic responsibility and are accountable for the accuracy and completeness of all financial reporting.
Why are Accounting Management roles hard to fill?
The strongest Accounting Managers combine technical rigor from public accounting with team leadership and industry depth gained in corporate roles. This combination is relatively rare, and these professionals are almost never actively job searching. They are typically well-compensated, embedded in their organizations, and only open to a move when approached with a clearly articulated opportunity that represents meaningful career progression.