What does an Accounting Manager do?
An Accounting Manager is responsible for a company’s accounting processes. They manage daily accounting operations of the company and make sure that every critical function has a backup in place at all times. Apart from maintaining existing policies, an Accounting Manager also creates new internal accounting policies. This position addresses many accounting activities that include the support of forecast and budget activities, year-end audit preparation, financial reporting, and general ledger preparation. They report to the Controller, who oversees all the financial departments of a company.
Accounting Manager skills and qualifications
An Accounting Manager requires a set of skills related to the industry and those that are specific to the company they wish to work for. A successful Accounting Manager needs various prerequisite skills and qualifications, including:
- Proficiency with various accounting software programs
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Thorough understanding and knowledge of professional accounting terminology, techniques, theories, and principles
- Attention to detail and proven ability to analyze large amounts of data
- Sound knowledge of management, finance, and accounting principles
- Excellent leadership abilities
- Superior data analysis and data management skills
- Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
Accounting Manager experience requirements
An Accounting Manager typically needs five years experience in an Accountant or a similar role that deals in numeracy. Experience with QuickBooks, ERP systems, and accounting databases and software is expected. Candidates with experience in hiring, training, and supervising employees are preferred.
Accounting Manager education and training requirements
An Accounting Manager candidate needs a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Candidates with a master of business administration (MBA) or additional relevant college diploma have an advantage. Look for candidates with their Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. All candidates should have a thorough knowledge of budgeting and financial forecasting concepts.
Accounting Manager salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Accounting Manager in Canada is $77,866 per year. This salary varies depending on the location, employee experience, and hiring company.
Job description samples for similar positions
If an Accounting Manager is not quite what you’re looking for, some relevant job descriptions include: