Accounting Manager

Summary The Finance & Accounting Manager is responsible for the overall financial management and accounting functions of the Cooperative. This position leads core finance operations; maintains accurate accounting records, internal controls, and compliance practices; oversees payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, budgeting, and financial reporting; and provides timely, reliable financial information to the General Manager, Board of Directors, management team, owners, and staff to support sound decision-making. Status Reports To: General Manager Department: Administration Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with additional time as needed to meet department needs. Availability: Schedule must remain flexible and may occasionally include evenings, weekends, or holidays based on business needs. FLSA Status: Exempt Essential Responsibilities Accounting and Financial Management Maintain accounting systems, records, and procedures in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, Cooperative policies, and applicable requirements. Oversee general ledger activity, month-end closing and year-end reconciliations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and daily cash controls to ensure accuracy and timeliness. Maintain effective internal controls, checks and balances, and records retention practices to safeguard Cooperative assets and support audit readiness. Coordinate annual reviews, audits, tax filings, and other required reporting with external accountants, auditors, agencies, and service providers. Monitor cash flow, manage banking relationships, and schedule significant payments to support operational needs. Support the General Manager in financial planning, policy governance reporting, and the development of annual operating and capital budgets. Financial Reporting and Analysis Prepare accurate and timely weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports for the General Manager, Board of Directors, Finance Committee, and department leaders. Provide analysis, variance reporting, and other financial information to support decision-making across the Cooperative. Present financial information in clear, useful language for non-financial managers, staff, and board members. Attend Finance Committee and Board meetings as needed to present reports, answer questions, and support financial oversight. Payroll and Compliance Oversee payroll administration, including employee record maintenance, payroll processing, and reconciliation of payroll-related accounts. Ensure timely and accurate filing and payment of payroll taxes and other required local, state, and federal obligations. Maintain the confidentiality and security of sensitive financial, payroll, and personnel-related information. Leadership and Department Operations Establish and maintain organized financial, banking, tax, payroll, and permanent files in accordance with legal requirements and Cooperative policy. Ensure records are complete, accessible, and retained in accordance with applicable guidelines. Maintain department equipment, systems, and workflows in an efficient and orderly manner, and communicate operational needs or issues to management. Work collaboratively across departments to strengthen financial understanding, compliance, and operational effectiveness. Qualifications Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. Three or more years of accounting or financial management experience required; retail or grocery cooperative experience preferred. Experience with budgeting, cash management, payroll, audits, and financial statement preparation strongly preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong knowledge of accounting principles, internal controls, and standard financial reporting practices. Ability to analyze and interpret financial data, identify trends or variances, and communicate findings clearly to non-financial audiences. Proficiency with spreadsheets, accounting software, payroll systems, and standard office applications. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines, and manage multiple responsibilities. Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, correspondence, and presentations. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information. Ability to work collaboratively across departments and contribute to operational and strategic decision-making. Ability to explain financial concepts, systems, and procedures to staff and managers with varying levels of accounting knowledge. Professional Development Pursue continued professional growth through education, research, and collaboration with other professionals and industry leaders. Participate in and report on all required training and educational opportunities. Provide professional development opportunities and training materials for Co-op staff related to the Finance and Accounting department. Organizational Relationships Communicate scheduling needs and paid time off requests at least four weeks in advance. Demonstrate leadership and initiative in maintaining department responsibilities during emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances. Participate in department meetings and meet with the General Manager at least monthly for a one‑on‑one check‑in. Attend Finance Committee and Board meetings as needed, and communicate concerns, recommendations, and updates through regular check‑ins. Customer Service Provide every customer with exceptional service. Answer customer questions to the best of your ability, or connect them with someone who can. Support front‑end coverage as needed to ensure customers are welcomed promptly. Assist customers courteously and help them find what they need. Maintain a working knowledge of member benefits, cooperative structure, co‑op history, promotions, and products. Physical Job Requirements Ability to sit for extended periods and use a computer, keyboard, calculator, and telephone for much of the workday. Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and move throughout office and store areas as needed. Ability to lift and carry files, office supplies, or other materials weighing up to approximately 30 pounds. Ability to access interior areas of the store, offices, stock areas, and other workspaces as needed to perform job duties. Working Conditions Work is primarily performed in an office setting with frequent computer use and regular interaction with store operations. Occasional exposure to varying temperatures, noise, and public retail conditions when working in store or back‑of‑house areas. The noise level is usually moderate and may increase during busy store periods. *Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER NOTICE The job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors, requirements, and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that the employee may be required to perform. The employer reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and require employees to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business, competitive considerations, or the work environment change. #J-18808-Ljbffr