Senior Accounting Manager

(Job ID: 2018)

Greater Los Angeles, California

Hybrid

Direct Hire

Retail

$130,000 – $160,000 base

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Overview

Stepping into this senior accounting manager position means overseeing the financial integrity of a multi-channel retail business known for its commitment to sustainability and innovative apparel. Embedded within a mid-sized company that blends e-commerce, wholesale, and direct-to-consumer revenue streams, you will lead a focused team managing complex general ledger activities, month-end close, and revenue recognition under ASC 606. This role offers direct interaction with senior finance leadership and external auditors, providing a platform to influence scalable accounting processes and internal controls in a rapidly evolving retail environment.

Title: Senior Accounting Manager
Industry: Sustainable Fashion Apparel
Location: Greater Los Angeles

Responsibilities

Manage and support the month-end close cycle, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and variance analysis to ensure accurate financial reporting.
Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations and management reports aligned with US GAAP standards.
Oversee revenue accounting across diverse channels such as direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and e-commerce, ensuring compliance with ASC 606 guidelines.
Identify and resolve discrepancies in outstanding balances through detailed investigation and reconciliation efforts.
Collaborate with external auditors by coordinating general ledger and revenue-related audit procedures.
Lead the design and implementation of process improvements and internal controls that enhance the efficiency and reliability of financial close activities.
Develop and mentor a small accounting team, fostering accountability and precision while partnering closely with cross-functional departments including FP&A, technology, and customer service.

Qualifications

Must-Have:
- 5 to 7 years of progressive accounting experience with a strong foundation in general ledger and revenue accounting, preferably within retail, apparel, e-commerce, or consumer products.
- CPA certification or active pursuit of CPA designation.
- Proficient understanding of month-end close processes, account reconciliations, and US GAAP compliance.
- Hands-on experience with ASC 606 revenue recognition in a multi-channel retail setting.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing accounting teams.
- Advanced Excel skills including Pivot Tables and VLOOKUPs.
- Strong ERP system expertise, with a preference for NetSuite.
Nice-to-Have:
- Exposure to public company reporting environments.
- Experience supporting year-end close and financial statement preparation.
- Familiarity with audit procedures and working with external auditors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Accounting Manager hires fail?
Because companies hire for close execution when the real need is issue ownership and team leadership. Many candidates can manage a checklist. Far fewer can stabilize the function under pressure, improve weak processes, coach staff, and hold the line during audit, turnover, or reporting stress.
What are strong Accounting Manager candidates evaluating during the interview process?
They are usually trying to understand whether they are walking into a stable environment, a cleanup situation, or an under-resourced function. Strong candidates do not just evaluate title and compensation. They assess whether success is realistically achievable and whether leadership understands what the accounting team actually needs.
Is the CPA really required for roles like this?
Sometimes yes, and often functionally yes even when the posting says "preferred." At leadership levels especially, the CPA frequently acts as a credibility signal for hiring managers, auditors, lenders, investors, or boards. There are exceptions, but in many accounting searches it remains one of the clearest markers of technical foundation.
How do strong candidates typically evaluate opportunities like this?
Strong candidates rarely evaluate a role based on title alone. They look at what the position actually owns, how the function is viewed internally, whether the environment is stable or in transition, and what success will realistically look like in the first 6 to 12 months. Many first discover a role through a posting, but the strongest career decisions usually come from understanding the context behind the opportunity, not just the job description. In accounting and finance hiring, that level of context is often what separates a lateral move from a meaningful one. Learn more about how strategic accounting and finance searches differ from transactional recruiting.
Is direct NetSuite experience actually necessary?
Not always. What matters more is whether the candidate has handled a similar level of system complexity and can adapt quickly. That said, in lean environments, cleanups, or fragile closes, direct NetSuite familiarity can materially reduce ramp risk.

Senior Accounting Manager — Greater Los Angeles, California | Pacific Executive Search