Inventory and Accounting Manager

Inventory and Accounting Manager

The Inventory and Accounting Manager plays a critical dual-function role at the intersection of operational execution and financial stewardship. This position is responsible for maintaining the integrity of inventory systems while ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance. The ideal candidate is both analytically rigorous and operationally proactive, capable of optimizing stock levels, strengthening vendor and customer relationships, and delivering precise financial insights that support strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Management & Control

• Oversee the full lifecycle of apparel inventory, including receiving, storage, tracking, and reconciliation.
• Maintain accurate, real-time inventory records across systems to ensure data integrity.
• Conduct routine inventory audits and cycle counts, identifying discrepancies and implementing corrective actions.
• Monitor inventory performance metrics such as turnover rates, shrinkage, and stock aging.

Procurement & Replenishment

• Develop and execute purchasing strategies aligned with demand forecasts and sales trends.
• Create, process, and track purchase orders to ensure timely replenishment.
• Maintain optimal stock levels, balancing availability with cost efficiency.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal stakeholders to manage lead times and avoid stockouts or overstock situations.

Vendor & Customer Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with suppliers to negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and delivery schedules.
• Act as a key liaison for vendor communications, resolving issues related to shipments, quality, or discrepancies.
• Manage select customer accounts, ensuring high service levels, order accuracy, and timely fulfillment.
• Support customer satisfaction initiatives and contribute to retention strategies.

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records in compliance with accounting standards.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports.
• Perform account reconciliations, including inventory, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
• Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis to support business planning.

Data Management & Systems Integration

• Collect, validate, and prepare operational and financial data for integration into accounting systems.
• Manage data imports and ensure seamless synchronization with QuickBooks Online.
• Identify opportunities to improve system workflows and data accuracy across inventory and accounting platforms.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field.
• Proven experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or financial management roles.
• Strong working knowledge of QuickBooks Online, including data entry, reporting, and reconciliation.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare, interpret, and analyze financial statements.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and organizational capability.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to manage both vendor and customer relationships effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Point of Sale (POS) systems and inventory management software.
• Prior experience in the apparel, fashion, or retail industry.
• Familiarity with inventory costing methods (e.g., FIFO, weighted average).
• Experience in process improvement or system optimization initiatives.

Key Competencies

• Analytical thinking and financial acumen
• Operational efficiency and process management
• Relationship building and negotiation
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Time management and multitasking

This position directly influences the company's profitability and operational efficiency by ensuring inventory accuracy, optimizing purchasing decisions, and maintaining financial integrity. Success in this role enables better forecasting, stronger supplier partnerships, and improved customer satisfaction.