Manager, Client Accounting Services

Position Summary

The Manager - CAS functions as a team lead for the accounting staff, manages an assigned portfolio of clients, supports special projects and process improvement. This role reviews the work of the accounting staff, serves as a resource and mentor in team development, and works with all departments, management levels, and client communications. It is a point of escalation for client financial matters and the outside audit/tax firm relationship, alongside the Senior Client Accounting Manager. This role could include direct management of staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads monthly and year-end close processes across assigned client portfolio, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Reviews financial statements, journal entries, and account reconciliations prepared by the CAS team.
• Analyzes financial data, identifies trends, and provides actionable insights to management and client leadership.
• Reviews and approves billable management fees according to contract terms.
• Contributes to the design and enhancement of internal controls, financial systems, and process improvements across the CAS function.
• Supports Treasury functions, including budgeting, cash management, and cash forecasting.
• Functions as senior staff liaison for client audits, tax filings, and other regulatory reporting to ensure compliance and accuracy for audit clients and support as needed for non-audit clients.
• Promotes collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the accounting team.
• Collaborates with cross-functional and executive leadership on financial and operational initiatives impacting clients and internal operations.

Knowledge, Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA strongly preferred.
• 7–10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including full-cycle accounting for multiple clients in a professional services or outsourced accounting environment; prior supervisory or team-lead experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, month-end close, reconciliations, financial statement preparation, and budgeting/variance analysis.
• Proven ability to manage accounting for multiple clients simultaneously and to lead a team delivering that work.
• Advanced QuickBooks experience required; knowledge of other accounting systems a plus.
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, complex formulas) and proficiency across Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize competing deadlines while collaborating across internal teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to explain financial concepts to non-finance colleagues and interact effectively with all levels of management and clients.

Core Competencies

• Team leadership and coaching
• Sound judgment and accountability
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities across a team and a multi-client portfolio

Career Path

The next step up from this role is Senior Client Accounting Manager, which adds technical accounting ownership and people-management.