Accounting Manager

Accounting Manager

Liberty Dogs™ is a premier Service Dog training program whose goal is to empower Veterans with disabilities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives - enhancing their well-being through the unconditional support that Liberty Service Dogs provide. Located on a 27-acre campus, it includes Canine training and housing facilities, an administrative and multipurpose building, and accommodations for Veterans lodging on campus to train with their Liberty Service Dogs.

The Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day accounting operations of Liberty Dogs Foundation, ensuring financial accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across all accounting functions. Reporting directly to the Controller, this position manages the Accounts Payable function and supports the organization's financial reporting, month-end close process, internal controls as well as budget development and management.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented and collaborative accounting professional who thrives in a mission-driven environment and can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution. This role plays a critical part in maintaining the financial integrity of the organization while supporting operational growth and long-term sustainability. This is an ideal role for an adaptable, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a startup environment, enjoys creating efficient systems and wants their work to directly support a meaningful and impactful mission.

Key Responsibilities: Accounting Operations & Financial Management

• Oversee daily accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, account reconciliations, and journal entries.
• Manage the month-end and year-end close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, and accounting transactions.
• Assist the Controller in preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
• Monitor financial activity to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and organizational policies.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls to safeguard organizational assets.
• Support cash management activities, including monitoring cash flow and assisting with forecasting.

Accounts Payable Leadership

• Directly supervise Accounts Payable staff and oversee all accounts payable functions.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices, expense reimbursements, and payments.
• Review vendor account reconciliations and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain vendor records and ensure compliance with IRS reporting requirements, including annual 1099 preparation.
• Develop and improve accounts payable processes to increase efficiency and accuracy.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Develop and maintain internal accounting controls.
• Support compliance with federal, state and nonprofit financial regulations.
• Prepare IRS Form 990 supporting documentation.
• Maintain policies and procedures related to financial management.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Partner with department leaders to support annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance and identify significant variances.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support informed decision-making.
• Assist the Controller in developing financial models and reports for organizational planning.

Team Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Provide coaching, guidance, and performance management for Accounts Payable staff.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting workflows, systems, and reporting capabilities.
• Support implementation and optimization of accounting software and financial processes.
• Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and service excellence within the finance team.
• Support the Liberty Dogs Core Values and demonstrate a strong commitment to the organization's culture of excellence.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within a nonprofit organization.
• Prior supervisory experience required, including managing accounting or accounts payable staff.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles.
• Proficiency with accounting software (Sage Intacct preferred) and Microsoft Office suite.
• Proven track record in multi-departmental budgeting.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• High adaptability, comfortable working with ambiguity, and a track record of creating processes where none existed.
• CPA designation preferred but not required.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Primarily office-based work with extended periods of sitting, computer use, and communication via phone and video conferencing.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional movement throughout campus facilities may be required.
• Professional office environment, with dogs, dog dander and animal hair.

Why Join Liberty Dogs? At Liberty Dogs Foundation, we live by a simple truth: We take care of those who have taken care of our great nation. This role is your opportunity to shape a program that will set a national standard in Veteran wellness and service dog partnerships—changing lives, one Veteran and one dog at a time.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.