Job Title: Accounting Manager
Job Description

The Accounting Manager leads core accounting and payroll functions, oversees a team of five, and ensures accurate, timely financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). This role manages the full accounting cycle, including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and monthly and annual close, while continuously improving processes, systems, and internal controls. The Accounting Manager works closely with senior leadership to provide vital financial information that supports strategic decision-making and maintains a strong focus on customer service and cross-departmental collaboration.

ResponsibilitiesOversee all core accounting functions, including payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger journal entries, and monthly and annual close processes.Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures that meet current and future organizational needs.Ensure financial reporting tools, processes, and internal controls are in place, functioning effectively, and aligned with GAAP.Verify that all applicable entries related to monthly and annual close are accurately prepared and posted.Review preparation of monthly cost allocations, depreciation, accrued payroll, accrued vacation, indirect entries, and all reallocation entries associated with completed personnel action forms.Approve and post all monthly journal entries prepared by the Staff Accountant and Accounts Receivable Specialist.Manage the efficient operation of timekeeping processes and systems by evaluating current procedures, recommending and implementing process improvements and system modifications, and ensuring compliance with applicable rules and regulations.Review time and attendance logs for accuracy and compliance, and address discrepancies as needed.Develop, implement, and administer training plans for timekeepers and provide ongoing support for timekeeping inquiries.Monitor the use of timekeeping mechanisms with attention to cost, efficiency, and emerging methods or technologies.Direct the processing of payroll to ensure timely, accurate payroll production and appropriate checks and balances.Identify, resolve, and communicate payroll issues, coordinating with internal departments and external organizations involved in payroll-related interfaces and withholdings.Process payroll as needed in the absence of the Payroll Coordinator to maintain continuity of operations.Serve as the primary point of contact for vendors regarding wage garnishments and ensure garnishments are processed and responded to in a timely manner, especially in the Payroll Coordinator’s absence.Write, maintain, and support a variety of reports and queries using appropriate reporting tools to meet ongoing internal customer needs.Assist in the development and standardization of recurring financial and payroll reports.Help maintain data integrity across financial and payroll systems by running queries, analyzing data, and resolving discrepancies.Prepare payroll journal entries after transmission of payroll data and ensure all amounts reconcile to the third-party payroll provider’s records.Stay current with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and laws governing payroll and related compliance matters, and ensure organizational adherence.Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and maintain all accounting records in accordance with GAAP.Provide the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and senior leadership with timely, relevant financial information to support decision-making.Lead the hiring, training, and retention of competent accounting staff to support departmental objectives.Provide coaching, guidance, support, and professional development opportunities to accounting staff to enhance performance and engagement.Drive continuous improvement of accounting and financial systems and processes to achieve best practices, efficiency, and high-quality output.Ensure that accounting staff deliver a high standard of teamwork, customer service, and cross-departmental collaboration.Exercise sound judgment in performing financial projections and analyses to support planning and budgeting activities.Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders during audits and support budgeting and cost allocation activities as needed.Essential SkillsStrong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), including practical experience with journal entries, accounts payable, accounts receivable, monthly close, payroll posting, financial reporting, and cost allocation.Minimum of five (5) years of related accounting and payroll experience, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory capacity.Proven supervisory experience managing accounting or payroll staff, including hiring, training, coaching, and performance oversight.Demonstrated experience with payroll processing, including directing payroll operations, reconciling payroll data, and working with third-party payroll providers.Proficiency with accounting and financial software, including experience using Excel and BlackBaud or similar systems.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word, and strong overall MS Office and Windows skills.Ability to write, maintain, and support financial and payroll reports and queries using appropriate reporting tools.Strong financial reporting skills, including preparation and review of monthly close activities, reconciliations, and journal entries.Experience with budgeting, audit support, and cost allocation processes.Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.Strong customer service orientation and the ability to build effective working relationships across departments.Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and proactively address issues.Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in performing financial projections and decision-making.Ability to supervise staff effectively, provide constructive feedback, and foster a collaborative team environment.Knowledge and understanding of federal and state laws governing funding and payroll-related regulations.Strong mathematical skills and the ability to calculate, interpret, and apply mathematical concepts in financial analysis.Ability to work onsite full-time in an office environment.Additional Skills & QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration required; in lieu of a degree, a minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience in an Accounting or Payroll Manager position is required.Familiarity with accounting software systems beyond Excel and BlackBaud is preferred.Experience overseeing transitions between payroll systems, such as to Paycom or similar platforms, is beneficial.Experience working with third-party payroll providers and managing interfaces for withholdings and garnishments.Demonstrated ability to design and deliver training for timekeepers or staff involved in time and attendance processes.Experience in environments with a strong mission-driven or family-oriented culture is a plus.Proactive mindset with the ability to identify process improvements and implement best practices in accounting and payroll operations.Work Environment

This role operates in an onsite office setting and follows a regular schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., for a total of 35 hours per week. The Accounting Manager works closely with a team of five direct reports in a collaborative, professional environment that emphasizes a family feel and a meaningful organizational mission. The position relies on the use of financial software and technology, including Excel, BlackBaud, and a third-party payroll provider, with ongoing enhancements and transitions to modern payroll systems. The work involves regular interaction with internal departments, external vendors, and auditors, and requires consistent presence in the office to support staff, oversee processes, and maintain strong cross-departmental relationships.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hartford, CT.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $29.67 - $35.17/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job\n classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be\n subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits\n available for this temporary role may include the following:\n\n
• Medical, dental & vision\n
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital\n
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available\n
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)\n
• Short and long-term disability\n
• Health Spending Account (HSA)\n
• Transportation benefits\n
• Employee Assistance Program\n
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Hartford,CT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 28, 2026.

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\nAbout Aston Carter\n\n

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

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The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

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If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

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San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

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