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Accounting Manager Job Description Template


Siddhartha Gunti

July 23, 2024


Every organization needs an Accounting Manager to oversee financial operations, ensure compliance, and manage the accounting team.

An effective Accounting Manager must have a blend of technical skills and leadership qualities. They should be proficient in financial reporting, budgeting, and possess strong analytical abilities. Using a well-crafted job description template can help you attract the right candidates.

Discover the key elements to include in your Accounting Manager Job Description. We’ll also discuss best practices, provide an Accounting Manager Job Description template, and explain how Adaface's skill tests can help you identify suitable Accounting Managers.

Table of contents

Elements to include in the Accounting Manager Job Description template
The importance of a good Accounting Manager job description
Download Accounting Manager job description template in multiple formats
Things to avoid when writing a job description for Accounting Manager role
What skills are important for Accounting Manager role?
Identify the best Accounting Managers for your open role
Accounting Manager Job Description FAQs

Elements to include in the Accounting Manager Job Description template

Accounting Manager Job Description Template/Brief

We are seeking an Accounting Manager to supervise our organisation's financial reporting tasks.

You will be responsible for ensuring accurate reporting. The manager will define principles with the CFO and oversee the department to ensure proper processes are followed.

You will be expected to work with department heads throughout the organisation to discuss budgets and cost-cutting measures. You will collaborate closely with the controller and the finance director to enhance workflow and explore new initiatives.

Accounting Manager Job Profile

An accounting manager is responsible for developing and overseeing the accounting systems and procedures that accountants use to collect, analyse, and verify financial data for a company.

They oversee a company's or organisation's accounting department, directing the accounting personnel who create financial statements, business activity and forecasting reports, and tax filings.

Additional responsibilities include: Monitoring accounting data, creating and administering accounting rules and processes, and advising management on financial choices.

Reports To

  • Chief Financial Officer

Accounting Manager Responsibilities

  • Prepare and analyze tax returns, budget reports, financial reports for businesses, and other papers
  • Ensure that financial papers comply with all legal and regulatory standards
  • Identify inefficiencies and recommend solutions, as well as evaluate financial processes
  • Oversee and evaluate employee performance, offer feedback, and develop divisional objectives and procedures
  • Assist in the recruitment, employment, and firing of accountants within their division
  • Supervise financial information, such as tax returns, budget and expense reports, and audits
  • Comply with the standards for confidentiality and public disclosure
  • Identify accounting priorities, develop processes to fulfil those goals, and instruct accountants to put those processes in place
  • Report to executives within their organisation, making financial choices recommendations

Accounting Manager Requirements & Skills

  • A bachelor's degree in accounting or finance
  • Computer skills in Accounting software and databases
  • Prior experience as an accounting manager, accounting supervisor, or finance manager
  • Understanding of bookkeeping and accounting concepts, practises, benchmarks, rules, and regulations
  • Extensive accuracy and attention to detail
  • Capacity to control and handle large amounts of data

The importance of a good Accounting Manager job description

Job seekers typically spend little time reading job postings and descriptions. Because they often read through many postings when looking for a job, it’s common for them to just skim through them.

This means that your job description needs to convince top candidates to apply within the first minute of reading. With the increasing competition among companies for top-tier skills, preparing a good, crisp job description is important.

This is why many organizations now put a lot of effort into their job descriptions to secure the best candidates. They attract suitable candidates, precisely and accurately represent the job role, and can help form the basis for an Accounting Manager interview. They help you outline your requirements for your ideal candidate and provide an opportunity to display your company values to the public.

Download Accounting Manager job description template in multiple formats

Things to avoid when writing a job description for Accounting Manager role

When crafting a job description for an Accounting Manager, it's crucial to strike a balance between clarity and conciseness. Avoiding common pitfalls can make your job posting more effective and attract the right candidates. Here are a few key aspects to consider.

Overloading the job description with an exhaustive list of skills can deter qualified candidates who might feel they don’t meet every criterion. It's important to focus on the essential skills necessary for the role. For a detailed guide on what to include, refer to our comprehensive list of skills required for Accounting Managers.

Using buzzwords can often obscure the real requirements of the job. Terms like 'synergy', 'go-getter', 'thought leader', and 'dynamic' can be vague and overused. Be specific about the skills and qualities you are looking for to avoid miscommunication.

An overemphasis on academic qualifications can overlook the practical skills that are crucial for an Accounting Manager. Many essential abilities, such as leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability, are honed through experience rather than formal education. To accurately assess these skills, consider using an on-the-job skills test.

What skills are important for Accounting Manager role?

To create an effective job description for an Accounting Manager, it's important to understand the key skills needed for success in this role. Skills like financial reporting, budget management, and compliance are closely linked to their daily responsibilities.

For a comprehensive guide on the skills required for an Accounting Manager, check out our detailed post on Adaface.

Identify the best Accounting Managers for your open role

Recruiters often face the challenge of sifting through a large number of resumes, even when they have a well-crafted job description. The sheer volume of applications can make it difficult to identify the best candidates for the Accounting Manager role. How do you ensure that you are selecting the most qualified individuals who not only meet the job requirements but also fit well with your company culture?

Adaface skill tests can help streamline this process by providing a reliable way to assess candidates' abilities. Our financial accounting test, accounting test, and Excel test are designed to evaluate the specific skills needed for an Accounting Manager role, helping you find the best fit from your candidate pool.

To get started, you can take a quick product tour to see how our platform works. If you're ready to dive in, sign up for a free plan to explore the platform and start screening candidates effectively. Use Adaface to ensure you are making informed hiring decisions with a trusted and accurate assessment tool.

Accounting Assessment Test

30 mins | 15 MCQs
The accounting assessment test uses scenario based questions to evaluate a candidate's understanding of core accounting principles, financial ratios, accounts receivable and payable, adjusting entries, balance sheet reconciliation and financial statement analysis. Accounting test can be used as a pre-employment test to assess on-the-job accounting skills of candidates before an interview.
Try Accounting Assessment Test

Accounting Manager Job Description FAQs

What should be included in an Accounting Manager job description?

An Accounting Manager job description should include a brief overview, job profile, reporting structure, key responsibilities, and required skills and qualifications. It should clearly outline the expectations and the scope of the role.

Why is a well-crafted job description important for an Accounting Manager position?

A well-crafted job description helps attract qualified candidates by clearly communicating the responsibilities and requirements of the role. It sets the right expectations and helps in filtering candidates who match the company's needs.

What are the key responsibilities of an Accounting Manager?

Key responsibilities typically include overseeing accounting operations, managing accounting staff, preparing financial reports, ensuring compliance with regulations, and collaborating with external auditors.

What skills are important for an Accounting Manager?

Important skills for an Accounting Manager include strong analytical abilities, proficiency in accounting software, leadership skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills.

How can a job description impact the recruitment of an Accounting Manager?

A clear and comprehensive job description can streamline the recruitment process by attracting more suitable candidates and reducing the time spent on interviewing unsuitable candidates.

What are common mistakes to avoid when writing an Accounting Manager job description?

Avoid vague language, omitting key responsibilities, setting unrealistic qualifications, and failing to mention the reporting structure. These can lead to attracting the wrong candidates.

How do you identify the best candidate for an Accounting Manager role?

Identify the best candidates by evaluating their experience, skills alignment with the job description, leadership qualities, and their ability to adapt to your company's culture.

Can a detailed job description help in reducing employee turnover in accounting roles?

Yes, a detailed job description can help reduce turnover by ensuring candidates have a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities, leading to better job satisfaction and fit.


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