Franchise Account Manager

Role Overview: The Account Manager is a bookkeeping specialist responsible for managing the financial records and monthly reporting for a portfolio of franchisee clients within a specific franchise system. This role is client-facing and ensures that each assigned franchisee’s day-to-day accounting is handled accurately and promptly. The Account Manager will typically handle ~40 franchisee accounts (within one franchise brand or network) and serve as the primary point of contact for those clients on bookkeeping matters. They are expected to maintain a cadence of closing all accounts by the 5th of each month (to provide timely financial statements to clients) and to conduct monthly financial review meetings with each franchisee. This position requires not only technical accounting skills and QuickBooks expertise, but also strong communication and follow-up abilities to build trusted relationships with small business
owners.

Key Responsibilities:

•  Daily Bookkeeping & Data Entry: Record all financial transactions for each franchisee client in QuickBooks Online, including sales, expenses, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll entries. Ensure accuracy and proper categorization of entries in line with the franchisor’s standardized chart of accounts.
• Month-End Close & Financial Reporting: Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and other balance sheet accounts for each client; prepare month-end journal entries as needed; and close the books by the 5th of each month for all assigned clients. Generate monthly financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow) and any franchise-specific reports for review by the franchisee. (Timely month-end closing is a critical performance metric, as it aligns with industry best practices for efficient financial reporting.)
• Monthly Financial Reviews: Schedule and lead a monthly review call or meeting with each franchisee client to go over their financial statements. Explain key results and trends, answer any questions, and provide guidance on areas like cash flow, expenses, or budgeting. Act as a trusted advisor to help franchisees understand their numbers and make informed decisions.
• Client Communication & Support: Serve as the day-to-day contact for franchisee clients regarding any bookkeeping or QuickBooks questions. Respond promptly to client inquiries (via email, phone, etc.) and follow up on outstanding information (e.g. missing receipts, transaction clarifications) to keep accounts up to date. Provide excellent customer service and “high-touch” support,
  understanding that many franchisee owners are not financial experts.
• Maintain Compliance with Franchisor Standards: Ensure that all bookkeeping practices and financial reports for the franchisees adhere to the franchisor’s requirements and standards. This includes using the proper account codes, including royalty fee tracking, and any required financial formats or software integrations specific to the franchise system (for example, integration with franchisor reporting tools if applicable).
• Collaboration and Escalation: Work closely with the Network Manager assigned to that franchise system for guidance and to escalate any complex issues. For instance, if a franchisee has an unusual transaction or if there’s a discrepancy that might involve franchisor policy (like how to record a specific fee), the Account Manager will consult with the Network Manager. They will also participate in team meetings and training sessions led by the Network Manager to continuously improve their knowledge of the franchise system’s processes.
• Efficiency and Organization: Manage workload effectively to handle roughly 40 clients without sacrificing quality of work or client satisfaction. Use tools (like QuickBooks Online Accountant interface) to organize tasks and client workflows, leveraging automation where possible to streamline recurring tasks. Maintain detailed workpapers and documentation for each client to facilitate reviews and audits.
• Quality Control: Review one’s own work thoroughly to minimize errors. Cross- check figures and ensure that reconciliation differences are investigated and resolved. An Account Manager takes responsibility for the accuracy of each client’s books, which in turn supports the Network Manager’s oversight role.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is preferred (new graduates in accounting are welcome). Alternatively, an associate’s degree in accounting plus 5 years of hands-on bookkeeping experience will be considered. Candidates without a degree should have a strong track record (at least five years) of small-business bookkeeping using QuickBooks. Experience working with multiple clients or franchise businesses is a plus, as this role involves managing many accounts concurrently.
• Certifications: QuickBooks Certified (QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor certification highly preferred). Being certified demonstrates advanced knowledge of the QuickBooks platform and best practices in its uses. The Account Manager should be proficient in QuickBooks Online (QBO), including features like bank feeds, reconciliations, reporting, and multi-client management. If not already certified, the ability and willingness to obtain QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification within a set timeframe will be required.
• Technical Skills: Solid understanding of basic accounting principles and financial statements. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis and report customization. Comfortable with accounting technology; ability to quickly learn and use tools such as payroll software, receipt capture apps, or franchise-specific accounting integrations (e.g., systems like ProfitKeeper, FranConnect, etc., if used by the franchisor).
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Able to explain financial concepts to non-accountant franchise owners in a clear, patient, and supportive manner. Strong written communication for emailing clients and documenting work. Follow-up and responsiveness are critical – the Account Manager must be proactive in requesting information and reminding clients about deadlines or missing data.
• Time Management & Organization: Demonstrated ability to manage a workload of dozens of clients methodically, prioritize tasks (especially around month-end), and meet deadlines consistently. Strong organizational skills to keep client records segmented and secure, and to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Attention to detail is a must, given the volume of transactions and the need for accuracy across accounts.
• Problem-Solving: Analytical mindset to investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies or client questions. A continuous improvement attitude, seeking ways to improve efficiency (for example, spotting opportunities to automate a process or simplify a workflow).
• Customer Service Orientation: Friendly, professional demeanor with a focus on building relationships. Prior experience in a client-facing role is beneficial. The Account Manager should genuinely enjoy helping small business owners succeed through better financial management.
• Reliability & Ethics: High degree of integrity and trustworthiness. Able to handle sensitive financial information confidentially. Reliable in attendance and commitment – franchisee clients depend on the Account Manager to keep their finances on track every month without fail.