About the job Senior Manager, Client Accounting Services (CAS)
About the Role:
The Accounting Services Senior Manager, also known as a Client Advisory Services (CAS) Senior Manager or Outsourced Controller, leads complex client accounting engagements while providing strategic financial guidance, outsourced controller services, and operational consulting. This leadership role is responsible for managing high-value client relationships, overseeing accounting teams, improving financial processes, and delivering actionable financial insights that support business growth. The ideal candidate combines advanced accounting expertise, leadership experience, and strong client advisory skills with a deep understanding of financial reporting, GAAP compliance, and business strategy.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as the primary financial advisor and trusted client contact for outsourced accounting and controller engagements.
- Lead multiple Client Advisory Services (CAS) engagements, ensuring timely delivery of accurate financial reporting, accounting services, and strategic consulting.
- Review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, management reports, reconciliations, and accounting deliverables for accuracy and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Provide outsourced controller services, including oversight of accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
- Analyze financial data and develop customized key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboards, and management reporting tailored to each client's business objectives.
- Partner with executive leadership and business owners to provide strategic financial recommendations that improve operational performance and long-term profitability.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships through regular communication, proactive financial guidance, and exceptional client service.
- Identify opportunities to improve accounting workflows, automate financial processes, and enhance operational efficiency using modern accounting technologies.
- Collaborate with tax, audit, and advisory professionals to align financial reporting with tax planning strategies and overall business objectives.
- Oversee project planning, resource allocation, workload balancing, and engagement profitability across multiple client accounts.
- Establish team expectations, monitor performance, and provide regular coaching, mentoring, and constructive feedback to accounting professionals.
- Support employee development through career planning, technical training, leadership development, and succession planning initiatives.
- Promote continuous process improvement by identifying operational efficiencies, implementing best practices, and encouraging innovation across accounting services.
- Ensure compliance with financial policies, regulatory requirements, information security standards, and confidentiality expectations.
- Perform additional leadership, financial consulting, and client advisory responsibilities as business needs evolve.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in public accounting, client advisory services, outsourced accounting, controllership, or financial consulting.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or CPA eligibility is preferred.
- Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), financial statement preparation, financial analysis, and accounting operations.
- Proven experience leading client engagements, managing multiple priorities, and delivering high-quality financial services in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated success building long-term client relationships while serving as a trusted strategic business advisor.
- Strong leadership, coaching, performance management, and team development experience.
- Experience managing budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, cash flow analysis, and operational performance reporting.
- Advanced proficiency with accounting software and ERP systems such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP, Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics, Acumatica, Xero, Great Plains, or similar cloud-based accounting platforms.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, project management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present financial information to executives, business owners, and key stakeholders.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience providing outsourced controller, fractional CFO, or Client Advisory Services (CAS) leadership.
- Knowledge of financial process optimization, workflow automation, and accounting systems implementation.
- Experience developing executive dashboards, financial KPIs, and business performance metrics.
- Familiarity with tax planning strategies and collaboration across accounting, tax, and advisory functions.
- Experience supporting organizational growth through strategic financial planning, operational consulting, and business process improvement.
- Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, mentor future leaders, and drive continuous improvement across accounting operations.