Position: Manager, Accounting 

Job Description: 

The Manager, Accounting will manage a set of accounting activities to ensure compliance with accepted accounting principles, corporate policies, and external audits. This person will manage the accounts' payable function, payroll function, monthly closing of accounts and preparation of reports in support of the financial statements. The Manager, Accounting will complete analysis and reconciliation of accounts and in development and implementation of accounting policies, procedures, and controls. 

Core Responsibilities & Duties: 

Manage the monthly financial close process, including ensuring all costs incurred are properly recorded, reviewing journal entries, account balance reconciliations and report preparation 

Participate in the ongoing development/establishment of accounting policies and procedures and operational strategies including the review and implementation of process and system changes 

Continued focus on improving system efficiencies and business practices 

Participate in strategic financial projects including upgrades/phase-two implementation of ERP software 

Ensure compliance with internal control policies  

Collaborate with external auditors to ensure successful audit results and compliance 

Interacts at all levels and with budget owners or other stakeholders to produce timely, efficient, and accurate month-end close and all internal management and financial reporting through annual report 

Responsible for hierarchy and scalability in chart of accounts and accuracy in the general ledger and financial statements and has ultimate authority over classification and booking of all transactions 

Analyze the effect of statutory accounting practices and studies regulations and guidance to ensure correct application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles 

Make recommendations for changes as needed and ensure that company policies and procedures are followed and establish the proper techniques to discover and prevent fraud 

Prepare detailed journal entries and account analyses 

Assist with compilation of information for preparation of tax returns 

Work with Audit, Tax and Treasury Manager to ensure overall coordination of all financial accounting activities through annual report 

Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting (master’s degree in accounting or MBA is preferred)
• CPA certification is required 
• Experience in transportation services, distribution, or manufacturing is preferred 
• Big 4 Public Accounting experience preferred 
• Knowledge of GAAP and other accounting concepts and experience in their application 
• Highly organized, strong attention to detail 
• Strong work ethic, high integrity 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Experience in writing technical accounting memos 
• Knowledge of reporting tools & other MIS tools 
• Experience with Microsoft Office, especially Excel 
• Experience with Workiva 

Skills: 

The ideal candidate will possess a “can do” attitude with a “will do” work ethic 

Interpersonal skills necessary to build effective working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization 

Strong organization, prioritization, project management and consulting skill set 

General computer skills - Microsoft Office, Outlook, AS400  

Excellent communication and problem-solving skills  

Forward Air is an Equal Opportunity employer.