Accounting Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Accounting Manager

Location: Oakland County, Michigan
Industry: Automotive Tier 1 Manufacturing
Reports To: Controller / Director of Finance

Position Summary

The Accounting Manager will lead the accounting function for a multi-division Automotive Tier 1 supplier, overseeing financial reporting, close processes, and financial planning activities across multiple product lines. This role manages a team of approximately five accounting professionals and partners closely with operations, plant leadership, and corporate finance to ensure accurate financial results and actionable insights. The ideal candidate brings strong manufacturing accounting experience, leadership capability, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of approximately five accounting staff, including accountants and financial analysts
• Conduct performance management, training, and succession planning to build a high-performing team
• Provide hands-on support and serve as back-up for team members during peak periods or absences
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration

Financial Close & General Accounting Oversight

• Oversee and review all journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules across multiple product divisions
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes
• Maintain general oversight of the general ledger, ensuring alignment with GAAP and corporate policies
• Coordinate intercompany transactions and eliminations across divisions, where applicable
• Strengthen internal controls and ensure audit readiness

FP&A (Monthly & Quarterly)

• Lead monthly and quarterly financial analysis, including detailed variance analysis by product line, plant, and cost center
• Partner with operations, plant managers, and program management teams to analyze performance drivers (volume, pricing, labor, scrap, etc.)
• Prepare and present financial reporting packages to senior leadership with actionable insights
• Support margin analysis and profitability tracking across multiple automotive programs and customers

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Manage the annual budgeting process across multiple divisions, coordinating inputs from operations and leadership
• Develop rolling forecasts and monitor performance against budget and prior forecasts
• Identify financial risks and opportunities, providing proactive recommendations to leadership
• Support program launches, cost changes, and customer pricing impacts in forecast models

Systems & OneStream Reporting

• Own financial consolidation and reporting within OneStream for multiple divisions/entities
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of financial data submissions
• Drive improvements in reporting automation, data integrity, and system utilization
• Serve as the primary liaison between finance, corporate reporting, and IT for system-related initiatives

Operational & Manufacturing Finance Support

• Provide financial oversight of plant operations, including inventory, standard costing, and manufacturing variances
• Partner with operations on cost control initiatives, productivity improvements, and KPI tracking
• Support inventory valuation, cycle counts, and physical inventory processes
• Ensure proper accounting for capital expenditures, tooling, and customer-funded assets

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA strongly preferred)
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2–3 years in a leadership role
• Prior experience in Automotive Tier 1 or manufacturing environment required
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory, and multi-entity reporting
• Experience managing multiple product lines or business units preferred
• Hands-on experience with OneStream or similar financial consolidation tools
• Advanced Excel and ERP system proficiency

Key Competencies

• Proven leadership and team development skills
• Strong analytical and financial modeling capabilities
• Deep understanding of manufacturing and operational finance drivers
• Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple divisions
• Effective communication with both finance and non-finance stakeholders
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and continuous improvement

Why This Role Matters

This role is critical in ensuring financial integrity and providing insight across multiple product divisions in a highly competitive Automotive Tier 1 environment. The Accounting Manager will play a key role in driving operational efficiency, supporting program profitability, and developing a strong accounting team to support continued growth.