FIXED ASSET ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

The Fixed Asset Accounting Manager is a specialized finance professional responsible for the accounting and financial management of all fixed assets at Sims Crane & Equipment Co. Inc. (and subsidiaries). Reporting to the Chief Accountant, this role ensures that every capital asset from heavy equipment and vehicles to real estate, facilities, yards, shops, IT, and office equipment is properly accounted for throughout its full lifecycle. The Fixed Asset Accounting Manager oversees accurate asset capitalization, depreciation, and disposals in alignment with U.S. GAAP, and maintains detailed records and analysis to inform strategic asset decisions.

In the context of an operated crane rental and heavy equipment services business, this role places particular emphasis on tracking the total cost of ownership (TCO) and performance of the equipment fleet while also ensuring financial stewardship of all other capital assets. By collaborating closely with operations, maintenance, and the broader finance team, the Fixed Asset Accounting Manager provides in-depth cost analysis and asset performance reporting, supports asset-related audits and compliance, and recommends process improvements to strengthen asset management. This role demands a strong foundation in fixed asset accounting across diverse asset classes, meticulous attention to detail, and an ability to link operational data with financial outcomes, thereby safeguarding the accuracy and integrity of the company’s asset-related financial information and supporting optimal asset utilization and capital planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Asset Lifecycle Accounting (All Asset Classes): Manage comprehensive accounting for each stage of the asset lifecycle including acquisition, capitalization, depreciation, transfers, improvements, and disposition for all fixed assets of the company. This includes heavy equipment and fleet vehicles, real estate properties, plant and yard facilities, as well as office and IT equipment. Maintain detailed fixed asset registers and depreciation schedules across these asset categories, ensuring depreciation and amortization are calculated accurately and recorded on time in compliance with U.S. GAAP. Coordinate with procurement, operations, and facilities management teams to ensure timely capitalization of new assets and appropriate accounting for asset retirements or sales. Provide leadership in defining useful lives and salvage values for diverse asset types in line with policy, ensuring the general ledger accurately reflects the value of the company’s asset base at all times.
• Cost Tracking & Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Analysis: Track and analyze the full spectrum of costs associated with the company’s fixed assets throughout their useful lives. For the heavy equipment fleet and vehicles, monitor and record maintenance and repair expenses, fuel consumption, parts replacement, insurance costs, and operator labor on a per-asset basis. For property and facility assets, track maintenance costs, utilities, property taxes, and other operating expenses. Develop and maintain models or dashboards to aggregate these costs and compute the total cost of ownership (TCO) for key asset categories. Identify cost trends and outliers (e.g., especially high maintenance assets or facilities) and present insights that inform decisions on asset deployment, maintenance strategy, and replacement timing. Ensure consistent cost allocation practices are used so that asset profitability and efficiency are accurately measured and compared across the fleet and fixed asset portfolio.
• Month-End Close & Asset Performance Reporting: Play a pivotal role in the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes by providing all required fixed asset entries and analyses. Prepare and post period-end journal entries for depreciation and amortization, asset additions, disposals, impairments, and any necessary adjustments to fixed asset accounts. Reconcile all fixed asset-related accounts (asset cost, accumulated depreciation, capital work-in-progress, etc.) to ensure the general ledger aligns with detailed fixed asset sub-ledgers and schedules at each period end. Support the Chief Accountant and CFO with asset performance reporting, compiling metrics and narratives that highlight asset utilization, ROI on major capital investments, and fleet performance for management. For heavy equipment fleet assets, provide financial input to fleet performance reports (e.g., cost per revenue hour, utilization rates, asset ROI) and for property assets, ensure capital expenditure tracking and ROI analysis on major projects are clearly documented and reported.
• Fixed Asset Records & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure meticulous maintenance of fixed asset records and documentation to support financial, legal, and regulatory requirements. This includes safeguarding titles, deeds, and registration documents for real estate and vehicles; maintaining equipment inventories and asset tags; and tracking key dates (warranty expiration, lease terms, inspection renewals) for compliance. Coordinate with the tax and compliance functions to support property tax filings and any industry-specific asset taxes (such as Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) for applicable vehicles). Work with the safety and operations teams to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements for equipment (e.g., inspections, certifications) and that related costs are captured in the financial records. Keep fixed asset policies up to date with any changes in accounting standards or regulatory requirements, ensuring financial practices around asset accounting remain compliant.
• Internal Controls & Compliance: Support the overall internal control environment related to fixed assets and capital expenditures. Follow and promote strict internal controls for asset processes, such as authorization for capital purchases, appropriate segregation of duties for asset record updates, and periodic physical inventory audits of assets. Identify any control weaknesses in asset accounting (e.g., incomplete asset records, outdated depreciation methods) and recommend enhancements or corrective actions to strengthen reliability and accountability in asset management. Serve as a resource to other departments in understanding and adhering to financial procedures for asset-related activities.
• Audit Support: Act as the primary liaison for external auditors on fixed asset matters during the annual audit or any financial examinations. Prepare all necessary audit schedules and supporting documents related to fixed assets. Provide clear, fact-based explanations for auditors on asset valuations, depreciation policies, TCO calculations, and any significant asset transactions during the year. Ensure that fixed asset accounting stands up to audit scrutiny, aiming for no material audit adjustments or findings in the fixed asset area.
• Cross-Functional Coordination & Process Improvement: Collaborate closely with operations, fleet management, facilities, and finance teams to ensure cohesive management of the company’s assets. Work hand-in-hand with fleet maintenance and branch operations managers to remain informed on equipment usage, maintenance schedules, and operational challenges that have financial implications. Coordinate with facilities management for capital improvements or maintenance spending on yards, shops, and offices, ensuring such costs are captured and capitalized appropriately. Champion continuous improvement in asset accounting processes, leveraging technology to automate tracking and reporting, reduce manual effort, and enhance accuracy.

Qualifications

Skills:

• Broad Fixed Asset Accounting Expertise – In-depth knowledge of accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) as they apply to a wide range of fixed assets, including heavy equipment, vehicles, real estate, and other capital assets. Demonstrated ability to manage asset capitalizations, depreciation, disposals, and asset ledger reconciliations accurately for multiple asset categories in a complex business environment.
• Analytical & Financial Modeling Skills – Strong analytical abilities, particularly in cost analysis and financial modeling for assets. Skilled at synthesizing large volumes of cost and asset data into meaningful analyses (TCO, ROI, utilization trends) that can guide strategic asset management decisions.
• Attention to Detail & Accuracy – Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every asset is properly tracked and accounted for. A record of accomplishment of managing detailed schedules with a focus on precision and completeness. Ability to systematically identify and correct discrepancies in asset records, thereby guaranteeing high data integrity.
• Systems Proficiency & Process Orientation – High proficiency in ERP/accounting systems and fixed asset management software, with hands-on experience in utilizing system tools for asset tracking and reporting. History of implementing or optimizing system features to improve asset accounting workflows. A process-oriented mindset, continuously evaluating current methods and executing improvements that increase efficiency and control.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication – Excellent communication and collaboration skills, enabling effective partnership with operations, maintenance, and other departments. Proven ability to explain financial concepts and analyses in accessible terms and to integrate feedback from operational teams into financial practices. A proactive and team-oriented approach, working seamlessly with both finance colleagues and non-financial teams to achieve common objectives in asset management.
• Industry Experience & Flexibility – Experience in an asset-intensive industry (such as heavy equipment rental, construction, or manufacturing) is highly beneficial, indicating understanding of equipment usage patterns and maintenance considerations. Adaptability to manage various asset types.

Education & Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is required. A solid accounting background is essential. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification is strongly preferred, reflecting advanced expertise in accounting standards and professional dedication.
• Experience: 5+ years of progressive accounting experience is required, with a significant portion in roles emphasizing fixed asset accounting. Experience handling all phases of asset accounting (capitalization through disposal) in a multi-asset environment is critical. Exposure to an equipment business is a strong plus, demonstrating ability to manage complex assets like heavy machinery alongside standard corporate assets.
• Leadership Track Record: Proven record of accomplishment of managing fixed asset accounting functions and improving processes (such as reducing discrepancies, implementing better tracking, or speeding up fixed asset close steps). Demonstrated reliability in delivering accurate asset accounting outputs on tight timelines, and success in cross-functional projects (like system implementations or asset physical inventory programs).
• Other Requirements: Position requires residing within daily commuting distance of the corporate office in Tampa, Florida. Occasional travel will be required for business meetings and branch visits. The Fixed Asset Accounting Manager must exhibit exemplary integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to the company’s core values (safety, customer service, excellence), serving as a model for financial discipline and professionalism within the organization]
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be able to read, speak, and understand English.

Working Conditions

• Sims Crane & Equipment maintains a firm commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment for its employees and quality services to its clients. Sims Crane & Equipment is a drug-free workplace. Must be able to pass a post-offer / pre-placement drug screen. Must also submit to a post-offer / pre-employment background report.
• Work is performed in a standard office environment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting objects up to 25 pounds at times.

Disclaimer: An employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.  

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Sims Crane & Equipment is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or age.