What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accounting Manager position at NSF?
Job Description
The Accounting Manager is responsible for leading day‑to‑day accounting operations, ensuring accuracy of financial statements, and maintaining strong internal controls. This role oversees the financial close process, manages cash and banking activities, ensures timely reconciliations, and oversees the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Accounting Manager also plays a key role in cross‑functional project work, system enhancements, and audit support. This position requires strong technical accounting expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to lead and develop accounting staff.
Responsibilities
Financial Close & Reporting
Education & Experience
With a legacy spanning more than 80 years, NSF leverages science and innovation to improve human and planet health. We provide science-driven, independent testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services and develop the very standards that drive the food, water, and life sciences industries worldwide. We empower our clients to navigate shifting regulations to improve consumer health, safety, and quality of life.
One of our core values is We Are One NSF. This means that while we’re one team, we embrace the cultural, ethnic, language, and demographic diversity that reflects the societies in which we live and work.
Come join a team that makes a difference in the world. More information about NSF can be found at nsf.org.
NSF is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.
Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Please note that NSF is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies/search firms for this role. Resumes submitted to an NSF employee by a third-party agency without a valid written & signed search agreement between NSF and said third-party agency will become the sole property of NSF. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.
About The Team
We are the guardians of NSF’s assets. We are the keepers and providers of accurate and useful financial information which empowers careful and rational decision making. We do this so NSF may better advance its public health and safety mission.
The Accounting Manager is responsible for leading day‑to‑day accounting operations, ensuring accuracy of financial statements, and maintaining strong internal controls. This role oversees the financial close process, manages cash and banking activities, ensures timely reconciliations, and oversees the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Accounting Manager also plays a key role in cross‑functional project work, system enhancements, and audit support. This position requires strong technical accounting expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to lead and develop accounting staff.
Responsibilities
Financial Close & Reporting
- Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure timely, accurate financial reporting.
- Review journal entries, accruals, account reconciliations, and variance analyses.
- Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and internal accounting policies.
- Maintain the general ledger and ensure completeness and accuracy of financial data.
- Manage the allowance for doubtful accounts, including monthly reserve calculations, bad debt analysis, and related reporting.
- Partner with Treasury and AR/AP teams to address cash discrepancies and optimize working capital processes.
- Ensure timely completion of all balance sheet reconciliations and resolve reconciling items promptly.
- Maintain and strengthen internal control procedures across all accounting processes.
- Document, update, and enforce accounting policies and procedures.
- Proactively identify process gaps and implement control improvements.
- Serve as an accounting lead on cross‑functional projects related to system enhancements, automation, and operational efficiency.
- Participate in financial system upgrades and integrations, including requirements gathering, testing (UAT), data validation, and process design.
- Evaluate current processes and recommend improvements to reduce manual work and enhance accuracy.
- Partner with IT, Finance, Operations, and other teams to ensure successful implementation of system and process changes.
- Support external and internal audits by preparing schedules, providing documentation, and explaining accounting positions.
- Ensure ongoing compliance with audit requirements and financial policies.
- Address audit findings and implement corrective actions where needed.
- Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee workload planning, performance reviews, and staff development initiatives.
- Provide guidance and technical support to team members and cross‑functional partners.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or CMA preferred.
- 5 years of progressive accounting experience, including supervisory or team leadership responsibilities.
- Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial controls, and operational accounting processes.
- Experience with financial systems, system testing, or process improvement initiatives.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities.
- Ability to work under deadlines and adapt in a fast‑paced environment.
- Full‑time position with onsite, hybrid, or remote flexibility based on business needs.
- Extended hours may be required during month-end close, audits, or project deadlines.
With a legacy spanning more than 80 years, NSF leverages science and innovation to improve human and planet health. We provide science-driven, independent testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services and develop the very standards that drive the food, water, and life sciences industries worldwide. We empower our clients to navigate shifting regulations to improve consumer health, safety, and quality of life.
One of our core values is We Are One NSF. This means that while we’re one team, we embrace the cultural, ethnic, language, and demographic diversity that reflects the societies in which we live and work.
Come join a team that makes a difference in the world. More information about NSF can be found at nsf.org.
NSF is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.
Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Please note that NSF is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies/search firms for this role. Resumes submitted to an NSF employee by a third-party agency without a valid written & signed search agreement between NSF and said third-party agency will become the sole property of NSF. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.
About The Team
We are the guardians of NSF’s assets. We are the keepers and providers of accurate and useful financial information which empowers careful and rational decision making. We do this so NSF may better advance its public health and safety mission.