Accounting Manager – U.S. Manufacturing

White Bear Lake, MN

Accounting Manager – U.S. Manufacturing

Position Summary

The Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day accounting operations for the U.S. manufacturing organization and ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting. This position leads core accounting activities including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, general ledger accounting, month-end close, account reconciliations, banking, financial reporting, and financial analysis.

The Accounting Manager plays a key role in the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), budgeting and forecasting processes, audit activities, and financial planning. This position serves as a trusted business partner to leaders across the organization, working closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, Purchasing, Human Resources, IT, and Finance to understand business performance, identify opportunities, and provide meaningful financial insight to support decision-making.

This is a hands-on accounting leadership role requiring strong analytical skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations

Oversee daily accounting activities for the U.S. business.
Lead and provide direction for Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable processes.
Oversee cash receipts, cash disbursements, invoicing, collections, and vendor payments.
Maintain accurate general ledger accounts and ensure transactions are properly recorded.
Review journal entries, accruals, account activity, and adjustments.
Ensure accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls are consistently followed.
Identify and implement opportunities to improve accounting processes, efficiency, controls, and automation.

Month-End Close & Financial Reporting

Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
Establish and maintain an effective close calendar and ensure deadlines are met.
Prepare and/or review journal entries, accruals, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
Perform and review detailed balance sheet reconciliations and investigate unusual or aged items.
Review financial statements for accuracy, completeness, and significant variances.
Prepare and support monthly financial and management reporting.
Analyze actual results compared to prior periods, budget, forecast, and AOP.
Partner with Finance leadership on reporting requirements, special projects, and financial analysis.

Annual Operating Plan, Budget & Forecasting

Lead and coordinate the Accounting function's support of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) process.
Partner with department leaders to develop annual budgets and financial plans.
Assist with revenue, expense, labor, capital expenditure, and other operating budget preparation for the U.S. business.
Consolidate and analyze departmental budget submissions.
Monitor actual performance against AOP and provide ongoing variance analysis.
Support monthly and quarterly forecasting and identify changes that may impact financial performance.
Provide leaders with financial information and analysis to support informed decision-making.
Assist with long-range financial planning and financial modeling as needed.

Banking & Cash Management

Oversee daily banking activities and cash reconciliations.
Complete and review bank reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
Monitor cash activity and assist with short-term cash forecasting.
Maintain appropriate banking documentation and controls.
Partner with Enterprise Finance on cash management and banking relationships.

Manufacturing Finance

Develop a strong understanding of manufacturing operations and their financial impact.
Support analysis of manufacturing costs, labor, overhead, inventory, scrap, productivity, and variances.
Partner with Operations and other business leaders to understand cost drivers and financial performance.
Provide financial analysis and insight to support operational decision-making and continuous improvement.

Audit & Compliance

Coordinate and support annual financial statement audits and other internal or external audits.
Serve as a primary accounting contact for external auditors and provide requested schedules, documentation, and supporting information.
Prepare and review audit workpapers and ensure requested information is accurate and provided timely.
Coordinate responses to audit inquiries and assist with resolution of audit findings.
Maintain strong internal accounting controls, financial procedures, and supporting documentation.
Ensure compliance with applicable accounting principles, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
Support internal control testing and recommend improvements as appropriate.

Leadership & Collaboration

Lead, develop, and support a team of 5–8 accounting professionals.
Establish clear expectations, priorities, and accountability within the accounting function.
Foster a collaborative, service-oriented relationship between Accounting and other departments.
Serve as a financial resource and business partner to managers and leaders throughout the organization.
Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Partner with Finance leadership on process improvements, systems initiatives, and other strategic projects.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
5+ years of experience leading, supervising, or developing an accounting team.
Experience overseeing general accounting functions including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, reconciliations, and month-end close.
Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and accounting principles.
Experience preparing and analyzing financial statements.
Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
Demonstrated ability to identify trends, investigate variances, and communicate financial information effectively.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
Experience with Annual Operating Plan (AOP) development and financial planning.
Experience supporting or coordinating external financial audits.
Experience with inventory accounting, standard costing, manufacturing variances, and cost accounting.
Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Microsoft Dynamics 365, or similar systems.
CPA or progress toward CPA.
Experience participating in ERP implementations or financial systems improvement initiatives.

Key Competencies

Financial Acumen: Understands accounting principles and connects financial results to overall business performance.
Business Partnership: Builds strong relationships across departments and provides practical financial guidance.
Analytical Thinking: Uses financial data to identify trends, investigate variances, and support business decisions.
Planning & Forecasting: Understands AOP, budgeting, forecasting, and the key drivers of financial performance.
Audit & Controls: Maintains strong financial controls, documentation, and audit readiness.
Attention to Detail: Maintains a high level of accuracy while understanding the broader business perspective.
Leadership: Develops people, establishes accountability, and creates a collaborative team environment.
Continuous Improvement: Identifies opportunities to simplify, automate, strengthen controls, and improve processes.
Communication: Clearly communicates financial information to both financial and non-financial audiences.
Integrity: Demonstrates sound judgment, confidentiality, accountability, and professionalism.

Compensation

Salary Range: $110,000 – $120,000 annually

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, skills, and other relevant factors. This position is also eligible for Wilson Tool’s comprehensive benefits package.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Wilson Tool is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees and do not discriminate on the basis of legally protected characteristics under applicable federal, state, or local law.