Accounting Manager Advisory Consultant

Accounting Manager — Advisory ConsultantLocation - Columbus Metropolitan AreaReports To - Managing Director, Practice LeaderType - Full-timeExperience - 2–4 years public accounting + 2–4 years corporate accountingAbout NOW CFONOW CFO is a leading provider of outsourced CFO, Controller, and accounting services, delivering experienced financial professionals to businesses on a fractional, interim, or project basis. We partner with companies across industries from growing startups to established middle-market businesses placing the right accounting and finance talent inside organizations at exactly the moment they need it. Our consultants are embedded directly inside client organizations, working as a trusted extension of the client's team. They bring structure, consistency, and expertise to finance and accounting functions that need support and they do it in a way that is practical, hands-on, and immediately impactful.Role OverviewThe Accounting Manager Advisory Consultant is a client-facing, hands-on role focused on helping clients strengthen, stabilize, and improve their accounting operations. Working alongside engagement leadership and other team members, you will step into dynamic client environments on a fractional, interim, or project basis to provide both day-to-day accounting leadership and meaningful operational improvements. In this role, you will assess existing accounting processes, identify gaps and inefficiencies, and implement practical solutions that improve accuracy, consistency, controls, and overall effectiveness. Depending on the engagement, this may include cleaning up accounting records, strengthening month-end close processes, improving reconciliations and reporting, documenting procedures, enhancing internal controls, or helping establish scalable accounting processes. The goal is not simply to maintain the accounting function, but to leave it stronger than you found it. This role is ideal for someone who has built a strong accounting foundation in public accounting and has experience managing or supporting accounting operations within a company. You are comfortable entering new and sometimes ambiguous environments, quickly understanding what is and isn't working, and taking ownership of both immediate accounting needs and longer-term process improvements. You are detail-oriented, organized, solutions-focused, and able to bring structure and stability to evolving situations while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and professionalism.Key ResponsibilitiesMonth-End & Year-End CloseOwn and manage the full month-end close process for client organizations, ensuring accuracy and timelinessPrepare and post journal entries including accruals, prepaid expenses, depreciation, and reclassificationsPerform and review account reconciliations across balance sheet accounts including cash, AR, AP, fixed assets, and accrued liabilitiesPrepare monthly financial statements including income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statementInvestigate and explain variances between actual results and prior periods or budgetSupport year-end close and coordinate with external auditors or tax preparers as neededGeneral Ledger & Accounting OperationsMaintain the general ledger and chart of accounts, ensuring proper coding and classification of transactionsOversee and process accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, including vendor payments, invoicing, and collections follow-upPerform bank and credit card reconciliations on a regular basisManage fixed asset schedules and record depreciation in accordance with company policyProcess payroll entries and reconcile payroll-related accounts in coordination with the client's payroll providerMaintain prepaid schedules, deferred revenue schedules, and other balance sheet support schedulesReporting & Internal ControlsPrepare accurate and timely financial reports for client management teams on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basisIdentify and document internal control gaps and recommend practical improvements to accounting processes and proceduresDevelop and maintain standard operating procedures and accounting policy documentation for client organizationsEnsure compliance with U.S. GAAP and client-specific accounting policies across all deliverablesProcess & Technology OptimizationWork proficiently within client ERP and accounting systems including NetSuite, QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, Xero, and othersAssess accounting workflows, identify gaps and inefficiencies, and implement practical process improvements that strengthen accuracy, internal controls, and consistencyIdentify opportunities to improve system usage, automate manual processes, and streamline the accounting closeSupport accounting system clean-ups, data migrations, and onboarding of new clients onto appropriate platforms.Client Relationship & CommunicationServe as the primary day-to-day accounting contact for assigned client engagementsCommunicate clearly and professionally with client owners, operations managers, and other stakeholders on accounting mattersProvide training and guidance to client administrative or bookkeeping staff as neededFlag issues, risks, or unusual items to the Managing Director proactively and with appropriate contextTeam Collaboration & Staff OversightWhen an engagement is led by a Controller, CFO, or Senior Director, partner closely with them to carry out the engagement plan and keep them informed on progress, open items, and risksProduce frequent and clear communications across stakeholders, internally and externallyWhen staff accountants are assigned, including team members from our offshore team, assign, oversee, and review their work so deliverables are accurate and on timeGive clear instructions, documentation, and feedback to staff working across time zones, and set up smooth handoffs and review stepsCoach and develop junior team members to build their technical skills and consistencyQualificationsRequired2 to 4 years of experience in public accounting at a CPA or advisory firm (audit/assurance)2 to 4 years of corporate accounting experience in an Accounting Manager, Senior Accountant, or similar roleSolid working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial statement preparationHands-on experience with the full month-end close cycle including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reportingProficiency in at least one major accounting system (QuickBooks, NetSuite, Sage Intacct, or similar)Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple client engagements and deadlines simultaneouslyClear and professional communication skills comfortable interacting directly with business owners and management teamsSelf-starter mentality with the ability to work independently in client environments with minimal oversightPreferredCPA license or active CPA candidateExperience working across multiple industries or company sizesExposure to accounting clean-up, system migration, or process improvement projectsExperience working in a consulting, outsourced, or fractional accounting environmentFamiliarity with payroll processing platforms (Gusto, ADP, Paychex, or similar)What We OfferCompetitive base salary commensurate with experiencePerformance-based bonus tied to engagement quality and utilizationFull benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)Exposure to a wide variety of industries, company stages, and accounting environments no two engagements are the sameA defined growth path within the NOW CFO platform toward Senior Consultant, Controller, and Director levelsMentorship and support from experienced Managing Directors and senior consultantsA collaborative, entrepreneurial culture that rewards ownership, initiative, and results