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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Accounting Lead

💰 $90,000 - $130,000

AccountingFinanceCorporate FinanceLeadershipFinancial Management

🎯 Role Definition

An Accounting Lead oversees the accounting operations of an organization, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with accounting standards, and effective internal controls. This role provides strategic direction to the accounting team, coordinates complex financial activities, and supports senior management with decision-making. The Accounting Lead is responsible for managing accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, reconciliations, and financial analysis while implementing best practices to improve efficiency and accuracy.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Accountant
  • Accounting Supervisor
  • Finance Analyst

Advancement To:

  • Accounting Manager
  • Finance Manager
  • Controller

Lateral Moves:

  • Accounts Manager
  • Finance Lead

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  1. Lead and supervise the accounting team, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance management.
  2. Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger management.
  3. Prepare, review, and analyze financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP and IFRS.
  4. Coordinate and execute month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing activities.
  5. Manage account reconciliations, ensuring timely resolution of discrepancies and variances.
  6. Monitor cash flow, working capital, and liquidity to support operational and strategic initiatives.
  7. Develop, implement, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
  8. Ensure compliance with statutory regulations, taxation, and corporate governance requirements.
  9. Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes with accurate data and analysis.
  10. Manage audit processes, providing documentation and explanations to internal and external auditors.
  11. Evaluate accounting systems and recommend enhancements to improve accuracy and efficiency.
  12. Prepare management reports, KPI dashboards, and variance analysis for senior leadership.
  13. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address financial and operational issues.
  14. Monitor team workload, allocate tasks, and ensure deadlines are met effectively.
  15. Review complex journal entries, accruals, and adjustments for accuracy.
  16. Identify process gaps and lead initiatives for automation and workflow improvement.
  17. Maintain accurate fixed asset records and oversee depreciation schedules.
  18. Support mergers, acquisitions, and other financial transactions through due diligence and reporting.
  19. Ensure confidentiality and security of sensitive financial data and records.
  20. Provide guidance and support on accounting policies, standards, and emerging regulations.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc financial analysis and reporting for management and leadership teams.
  • Contribute to ERP system upgrades, financial software implementations, and automation initiatives.
  • Participate in strategic planning and cross-functional projects impacting accounting and finance.
  • Assist in training and development programs for accounting staff.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, QuickBooks)
  • Strong understanding of GAAP, IFRS, and corporate accounting principles
  • Expertise in general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and reconciliations
  • Experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial modeling skills
  • Knowledge of tax regulations, compliance, and audit processes
  • Experience with process automation and ERP system implementation
  • Ability to prepare and analyze financial statements and KPIs
  • Strong documentation and record-keeping skills
  • Competence in internal controls, risk management, and governance

Soft Skills

  • Strong leadership and team management abilities
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Analytical and problem-solving mindset
  • Strategic thinking with attention to operational execution
  • Organizational and time management skills
  • Integrity and ethical handling of confidential financial information
  • Collaboration and interpersonal skills for cross-functional teams
  • Adaptability to evolving accounting systems and business processes
  • Customer service orientation for internal and external stakeholders
  • Proactive approach to process improvement and efficiency

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration

Preferred Education:
Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or MBA

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
5–8 years of progressive accounting experience

Preferred:
7+ years of experience in accounting operations with leadership responsibilities, ERP systems exposure, financial reporting, and process improvement experience in corporate or organizational finance environments.

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