Head of Accounting

The Head of Accounting is a hands‑on financial leader responsible for managing the daily accounting operations while also providing controller‑level oversight, reporting, and financial controls. This role requires someone who is equally comfortable performing transactional accounting work and owning the accuracy, integrity, and structure of the company’s financials. In a small business environment, this position blends bookkeeping, general accounting, and strategic financial management into a single accountable role.

Accounts Payable (Hands‑On Ownership)

• Receive, review, and enter vendor invoices into the accounting system

• Match invoices to purchase orders and receiving documents when applicable

• Ensure proper approvals are obtained prior to payment

• Schedule and process payments in accordance with vendor terms and cash flow needs

• Maintain accurate vendor records and resolve billing discrepancies

Accounts Receivable (Hands‑On Ownership)

• Generate customer invoices and ensure timely billing

• Receive and post customer payments into the accounting system

• Prepare and make bank deposits for checks and electronic receipts

• Monitor aging reports and follow up on past‑due accounts

• Make collection calls and emails to customers as needed to ensure timely payment

General Accounting & Banking

• Perform daily and monthly bank activity processing

• Reconcile all bank and credit card accounts

• Manage banking relationships and online banking activity

• Monitor and control cash balances

• Ensure all cash movements are properly recorded and documented

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements

• Ensure accuracy and integrity of balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow reporting

• Manage all month‑end and year‑end close processes

• Develop, implement, and maintain internal accounting controls and procedures

• Support external CPA with tax filings, audits, and financial reviews

• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable financial regulations

Cash Flow & Financial Management

• Prepare and maintain cash flow forecasts

• Monitor working capital and liquidity

• Annual budget creation and financial planning

• Identify cost control and efficiency opportunities

Process Improvement & Ownership

• Improve accounting workflows and documentation

• Establish and maintain accounting policies and procedures

• Act as the process owner for financial data accuracy and integrity

• Own the design and enforcement of accounting processes and controls

• Serve as the primary financial point of contact for management

• Work closely with operations, purchasing, and sales teams

• Potential to manage additional accounting or administrative staff as the company grows

Required Attributes

Knowledge Areas

• Full-cycle accounting (A/P, A/R, general ledger, journal entries, month‑end close)

• GAAP and basic financial reporting standards

• Cash management and cash flow forecasting

• Internal controls and basic audit readiness

• Financial statement preparation (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow)

• Expense classification and cost control principles

• Small business accounting operations and best practices

• Accounting systems and ERP/accounting software

• Microsoft Excel and financial data analysis

• Vendor and customer account management

• Budgeting and variance analysis fundamentals

• Documentation, record retention, and compliance practices

• Creating financial presentations using Microsoft Power Point

Skills and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

• Ability to work independently and take full ownership of the accounting function

• Ability to process transactional work while maintaining a strategic financial view

• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities

• Clear written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to explain financial information to non‑financial leaders

• Ability to manage deadlines, especially month‑end and year‑end close

• Strong reconciliation and discrepancy resolution skills

• Advanced proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally

• Ability to identify process improvements and…