Accounting Manager

The Opportunity

Our client is a highly stable, mission-driven Fund and Benefits Administration organization supporting a large, well-established local union headquartered in St. Louis. The organization is known for operational excellence, long-term leadership tenure, and an employee-first culture offering exceptional benefits and true work-life balance.

They are seeking an Accounting Manager to report to the Head of Accounting and provide hands-on leadership to a team of four accounting professionals. This role is critical to ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and continuity of accounting operations supporting benefit funds that serve thousands of union members.

This is a working manager role requiring both proven people leadership and strong technical accounting capability. The Accounting Manager will oversee daily accounting operations, support payroll-related activities, and serve as a trusted leader within a well-run, low-turnover finance team.

• Manage and supervise direct reports responsible for daily accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and cash management
• Process payroll for Fund Employees on a weekly basis
• Assist the Senior Accounting Manager with the month end, quarterly and annual close of the fund books for the Pension Fund, Supplemental Pension Fund and Welfare Fund
• Assist the Senior Accounting Manager with the preparation of the monthly and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and DOL/ERISA requirements
• Oversee bank reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end journal entries
• Review daily fund transfers to ensure proper fund allocation and reconciliation
• Maintain accurate financial records according to company policy
• Maintain and enforce internal controls and financial procedures
• Assist with the creation and maintenance of internal controls and standard operating procedures
• Support annual audits by independent public accountants and regulatory agencies
• Assist with IRS Form 5500 filings, payroll tax filings and other regulatory reporting
• Manage, train, and develop direct reports
• Review and approve Sub Payment requests
• Review and approve Pension, Disability and Death Benefit payments
• Provide reports and supporting documentation to external auditors during the annual financial audit and answer inquiries
• Assist with implementation of new software program
• Maintain accurate and organized records of all transactional activities
• Additional projects as requested by the Executive Director and Senior Accounting Manager

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• Minimum of 3 years of direct people management experience (required)
• 6+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Strong command of general ledger accounting and close processes
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in a structured, deadline-driven environment

• Hands-on payroll experience or payroll accounting oversight
• Experience in fund accounting, benefits administration, union, nonprofit, or fiduciary environments
• CPA or CMA designation
• Background in regulated or compliance-driven organizations

• Exceptional, difficult-to-replicate benefits package
• Predictable hours and genuine work-life balance
• Stable leadership team and low organizational turnover
• Long-term role in a mission-driven organization with meaningful impact

• This role is ideal for an experienced accounting manager who:
• Enjoys leading people and takes pride in building stable, high-performing teams
• Wants to remain hands-on without the pressure-cooker environment of public accounting or PE-backed companies
• Values predictability, stability, and quality of life while still working in a professional, well-run accounting function
• Has experience managing payroll or payroll-adjacent accounting and understands the importance of accuracy and compliance
• Is seeking a long-term home rather than a stepping-stone role
• This role is not a fit for someone seeking rapid promotion, high-risk/high-reward environments, or heavy transaction or M&A exposure.