Accounting Manager

Job Description

Arena is seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to lead the accounting operations for a portfolio of small and medium-sized business clients. This role is ideal for a strategic, detail-oriented accounting professional who thrives in a client-facing environment and can operate with a high degree of autonomy. You will serve as the primary financial authority for your clients — overseeing the integrity of their books, building scalable processes, and delivering insights that drive better business decisions.

Responsibilities

• Own the full accounting cycle for multiple clients, including general ledger management, month-end and year-end close, and financial statement preparation.
• Serve as a fractional controller, providing controller-level oversight and guidance without requiring clients to hire full-time.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve internal controls, accounting policies, and financial processes across client engagements.
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports with variance analysis and actionable commentary for client leadership.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow modeling efforts; facilitate scenario planning conversations with business owners.
• Coordinate with external CPAs, tax professionals, and auditors to support tax filings, audits, and compliance requirements.
• Manage and review the work of junior accounting staff on client engagements, providing mentorship and quality control.
• Communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial business owners, serving as a trusted advisor on financial health and strategy.
• Identify opportunities to improve client financial systems, reporting infrastructure, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (required); CPA or CMA preferred.
• 5 years of progressive accounting experience, including controller, senior accountant, or public accounting roles.
• Demonstrated experience managing accounting for multiple clients or business entities simultaneously.
• Advanced proficiency with QuickBooks Online and/or Xero; experience with additional platforms (e.g., Bill.com, Gusto, Ramp, Stripe) a plus.
• Deep understanding of US GAAP, financial statement preparation, and internal controls.
• Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of building trusted client relationships.
• Self-directed and highly organized; comfortable managing competing deadlines in a fully remote environment.
• QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification (Required).