Senior Manager, Accounting

Position OverviewWe are seeking a hands-on technical accounting leader to support complex accounting matters across a large, evolving corporate environment. This individual will serve as a key U.S. GAAP resource, researching technical issues, documenting accounting conclusions, strengthening processes, and partnering with internal stakeholders and external auditors.The role requires someone who can operate at both a strategic and tactical level. The Senior Manager will provide technical guidance while also stepping into the details when accounting processes, system challenges, or organizational changes require additional support. The ideal candidate is proactive, comfortable working through ambiguity, and willing to take ownership of issues from initial research through implementation.Experience with employee benefits, payroll, pension, other post-employment benefits, debt, incentive compensation, or insurance arrangements would be valuable, but deep expertise in each area is not required.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Accounting and U.S. GAAPServe as a technical accounting resource for complex and judgmental accounting mattersResearch U.S. GAAP guidance and evaluate the accounting impact of new transactions, programs, and organizational changesPrepare clear, well-supported technical accounting memorandaDevelop practical accounting positions that align with applicable guidance and the company’s operational environmentAdvise accounting and business partners on appropriate accounting treatment and financial reporting implicationsMonitor new accounting standards and support implementation as neededAccounting Ownership and ExecutionTake ownership of complex accounting issues and drive them through resolutionProvide hands-on support when accounting processes or system limitations create operational challengesReview journal entries, account reconciliations, estimates, and supporting schedules for assigned accounting areasSupport monthly, quarterly, and annual close activitiesEvaluate account activity, investigate unusual items, and explain significant financial resultsHelp establish sustainable accounting processes where responsibilities, documentation, or controls require improvement* Payroll and incentive compensationPension and retirement plansOther post-employment benefitsHealthcare and employee benefit programsLong-term incentive plansDebt arrangementsInsurance and captive insurance programsReview information provided by third-party administrators, actuaries, consultants, and plan advisorsTranslate third-party calculations into accurate accounting entries and financial statement supportAudit and External Advisor PartnershipPartner effectively with external auditors on complex accounting matters and significant estimatesCoordinate with third-party specialists and advisors to obtain necessary calculations and supporting informationPrepare audit-ready documentation and clearly communicate the rationale behind accounting conclusionsRespond to auditor questions and manage technical accounting matters through resolutionSystems, Processes, and ControlsEvaluate the accounting impact of system implementations, integrations, and data-flow issuesPartner with HR, Payroll, Finance, Treasury, and other teams to resolve accounting and reporting challengesStrengthen reconciliations, documentation, and internal controls for complex or higher-risk accounting areasSupport SOX compliance and ensure controls are appropriately designed and documentedIdentify opportunities to improve accuracy, accountability, and efficiencyHelp develop scalable processes that can support future organizational changesLeadership and Business PartnershipAct as a trusted accounting partner to Finance, HR, Payroll, Treasury, and other business functionsProvide technical guidance and coaching to accounting team membersBring energy, urgency, and accountability to projects and unresolved accounting mattersWork independently while communicating risks, decisions, and recommended actions clearlyBalance technical precision with practical business considerationsQualificationsRequiredBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related fieldApproximately 7 years of progressive accounting or financial reporting experienceStrong technical knowledge of U.S. GAAPDemonstrated ability to research complex accounting matters and prepare technical accounting memorandaExperience working in a large, complex, or publicly traded company environmentStrong understanding of financial reporting, general ledger accounting, and the close processExperience with SOX compliance, internal controls, and external audit supportAbility to work through complex accounting issues with limited directionStrong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skillsWillingness to operate as a hands-on individual contributor while providing leadership and technical directionPreferredCPAPublic accounting experienceSenior Manager-level experience within technical accounting, corporate accounting, or financial reportingExperience with payroll or employee benefits accountingExposure to pension plans, OPEB, incentive compensation, debt, derivatives, insurance captives, or long-term incentive plansExperience interpreting calculations prepared by actuaries, plan administrators, or other third-party advisorsExperience partnering with a large external audit firmExperience supporting an ERP, payroll, or HR system implementationFamiliarity with Oracle HCM, SAP, or another large enterprise systemIdeal Candidate ProfileThe strongest candidate will be a technical accounting leader with broad U.S. GAAP expertise, rather than someone whose background is limited to processing payroll or benefits transactions.This individual should be able to:Independently research an accounting issue and develop a defensible conclusionDraft a clear technical accounting memoWork effectively with external auditors and third-party specialistsUnderstand complex calculations and translate them into appropriate accounting entriesStep into operational details when a process or system is not working properlyBring structure and accountability to areas that lack clear ownershipPartner effectively with HR, Payroll, Treasury, Finance, and other non-accounting teamsLearn specialized accounting areas such as pension, OPEB, payroll, or benefits when provided with the underlying data and technical resourcesTake initiative and move issues forward without waiting for detailed directionWhy Consider the Opportunity?High-visibility role with meaningful ownership of complex accounting mattersBroad exposure beyond a single accounting specialtyOpportunity to work across technical accounting, financial reporting, controls, systems, and process improvementDirect interaction with senior finance leaders, external auditors, and specialized advisorsAbility to shape accounting processes during a period of organizational and operational changeOpportunity to provide technical leadership while remaining close to the actual workBy submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions.EEO NoticeVaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.Representation NoticeBy submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.For residents of Ontario, Canada: Based on Highspring’s discussions with its Client, Highspring’s understanding is that this position for employment is a current vacancy (either through Highspring as a contractor or with the client directly).Privacy NoticeVaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.Residents of all other states may access our policies here.Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.Additionally, submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. More details about Vaco by Highspring’s use of AI can be found here (). Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase will be conducted by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco by Highspring does not know and cannot opine on if its client’s use of AI products in hiring.Pay Transparency NoticeDetermining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:the individual’s skill sets, experience and training;licensure and certification requirements;office location and other geographic considerations;other business and organizational needs.With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.