Accounting Manager

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Our client is a well-established, locally owned wholesale bakery that has served the Phoenix area for more than 50 years. The company produces fresh, hearth-style breads and rolls for restaurants, hotels, caterers, and other foodservice customers across greater Phoenix and surrounding areas. With approximately 65 associates and around-the-clock production six days a week, the company delivers fresh product daily, with orders placed by noon on the truck overnight. The company is known for its close-knit, family-run culture, a passionate and engaged leadership team, and a commitment to quality and sustainability.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are seeking a hands-on Accounting Team Leader to own the company's accounting, financial reporting, cost control, and purchasing functions. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the leadership team alongside Operations, Sales, and Human Resources, this individual will provide the financial insight leadership relies on to improve profitability and manage costs. The Accounting Team Leader leads a team of four associates across accounts receivable, accounts payable, purchasing, and the call center, and oversees the overall functions of the office. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented manufacturing accountant who enjoys wearing multiple hats, building clear reports and analysis, and making a visible impact in a smaller, entrepreneurial organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Financial Reporting & Month-End Close

• Manage the completion and accuracy of monthly and year-end financial statements, the general ledger, and internal financial reporting.
• Lead the month-end close, including balance sheet reconciliations, journal entries, inventory review, and supporting schedules.
• Prepare monthly reports, analysis, and presentations for the CEO and leadership team, and interpret results so team leaders understand “the numbers.”
• Coordinate the scheduling and logistics of year-end closing and tax preparation with the company's outside accounting firm.

2. Cost Accounting, Inventory & Purchasing

• Maintain standard costs and provide cost, margin, and profitability analysis to support leadership decisions.
• Oversee inventory management, including partial and month-end physical counts and the reconciliation of variances.
• Lead purchasing of raw ingredients, packaging, supplies, and equipment across approximately 80 vendors.
• Identify and drive cost control and process improvement opportunities across the business.

3. Budgeting, Cash & Risk Management

• Manage the implementation, timeliness, accuracy, and continuous improvement of the annual budget process, including quarterly reviews by department.
• Oversee cash management, including forecasting, bank reconciliations, collections, and lender reporting.
• Support the company's risk management strategy, including insurance and fixed asset review.
• Establish, monitor, and enforce financial policies, procedures, and internal controls that safeguard company assets.

4. Accounting Operations

• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, collections, and payroll accounting functions.
• Manage biweekly payroll processing through the company's payroll provider.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of invoicing, vendor payments, and customer account management for approximately 400 customers.

5. Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the administrative and accounting team, and participate in the selection of new team members.
• Lead the administrative team in setting safety goals and delivering safety awareness.
• Recognize associates whose performance moves the company toward excellence, and support actions that respond to associate opinion survey feedback.
• Model the company's Prime Directives and execute a personal skill development plan.
• Provide hands-on support to the team as needed, including occasional call center coverage.

6. Office Management & IT

• Provide overall management of office functions and administrative operations.
• Serve as the company's liaison with its outside IT provider.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• 3 to 6+ years of combined general and cost accounting experience in a manufacturing, wholesale/distribution, or similar environment.
• Experience owning the month-end close, balance sheet reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.
• Working knowledge of GAAP, ERP systems, and accounting software; QuickBooks experience strongly preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills, including building schedules, reports, and graphs.
• Strong understanding of AP, AR, payroll accounting, and internal controls.
• Experience with inventory and cost accounting.
• Strong organizational and management skills, with effective written and verbal communication.
• High regard for confidentiality.
• Ability to work on-site in Phoenix, Monday through Friday.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA or CMA certification.
• Prior managerial or supervisory experience.
• Food manufacturing, bakery, or food distribution experience.
• Purchasing and vendor management experience.
• Budget development and cash forecasting experience.
• Payroll processing experience, Paychex a plus.
• Experience in a small or mid-sized, entrepreneurial company where team members wear multiple hats.