Accounting Manager
Accounting Manager
Position Overview
Key Responsibilities
Engagement Leadership & Management
Team Leadership & Development
Technical Excellence & Quality Control
Business Development & Client Advisory
Tax Services Leadership
Required Qualifications
Education & Certification
Experience
Technical Expertise
Leadership & Professional Skills
Preferred Qualifications
Specialized Experience
Additional Certifications
Industry Knowledge
Compensation & Benefits
Financial Package
Comprehensive Benefits
Professional Development
Work-Life Balance
Firm Culture & Environment
Our Values
Office Environment

Bethesda, MD
Position Overview
Our client is seeking a dynamic Accounting Manager to join their premier CPA firm in Bethesda, Maryland. This is a key leadership role that combines technical expertise with substantial management responsibilities. The successful candidate will oversee multiple client engagements, lead teams of professional staff, and contribute to the strategic growth of the practice. This position offers excellent advancement opportunities toward partnership track within an established firm.
Key Responsibilities
Engagement Leadership & Management
- Manage complex audit, review, and compilation engagements for clients ranging from emerging businesses to established corporations
- Oversee multiple concurrent engagements across diverse industries including healthcare, government contracting, non-profits, professional services, and technology
- Develop comprehensive engagement strategies, budgets, and timelines while ensuring profitability targets are met
- Serve as primary client contact for assigned portfolio, building strategic relationships and identifying growth opportunities
- Coordinate with partners on engagement planning, risk assessment, and client communication
- Ensure all engagements comply with professional standards, firm policies, and regulatory requirements
Team Leadership & Development
- Supervise and mentor senior accountants, staff accountants, and seasonal personnel (typically managing 8-12 direct reports)
- Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching, and develop individualized training plans for team members
- Lead recruitment efforts including campus visits, interviews, and onboarding of new hires
- Foster professional development through delegation of challenging assignments and career planning discussions
- Create and maintain positive team culture focused on collaboration, quality, and continuous improvement
- Manage staff scheduling and workload distribution across multiple engagements
Technical Excellence & Quality Control
- Perform detailed reviews of complex financial statements, audit workpapers, and tax returns
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, GAAS, GAGAS (for government clients), and applicable regulatory frameworks
- Research complex accounting and auditing issues, documenting conclusions in technical memoranda
- Maintain expertise in current accounting standards including ASC 606, ASC 842, and emerging pronouncements
- Participate in firm's quality control reviews and peer review processes
- Develop and update firm methodologies, templates, and best practices
Business Development & Client Advisory
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities within existing client base and through referral networks
- Participate in proposal development and client presentations for prospective engagements
- Develop specialized expertise in key industry sectors to enhance firm's market position
- Provide strategic business advisory services including financial analysis, budgeting, and operational improvements
- Represent firm at professional organizations, networking events, and community activities
- Collaborate with partners on practice development and strategic planning initiatives
Tax Services Leadership
- Oversee preparation and review of complex tax returns including multi-state corporations, partnerships, and high-net-worth individuals
- Manage tax planning engagements and provide strategic tax advisory services
- Lead tax research projects and stay current on federal and state tax law changes
- Coordinate with tax specialists on complex transactions including mergers, acquisitions, and restructurings
- Supervise tax compliance deadlines and extension management processes
Required Qualifications
Education & Certification
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
- Master's degree in Accounting, Taxation, or MBA preferred
- CPA license in Maryland (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
- 150 credit hours of education to meet CPA requirements
Experience
- Minimum 7-10 years of progressive public accounting experience
- At least 3-5 years of supervisory or management experience
- Demonstrated success managing complex audit and tax engagements
- Experience with business development and client relationship management
- Proven track record of team leadership and staff development
Technical Expertise
- Advanced knowledge of GAAP, GAAS, and auditing standards
- Expertise in audit software platforms (CCH Engagement, CaseWare, MindBridge AI)
- Proficiency in tax software (CCH Axcess, ProSystem fx, Lacerte)
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel modeling and data analysis
- Experience with various accounting systems (QuickBooks, Sage, NetSuite, Dynamics)
- Knowledge of industry-specific regulations (non-profit, government contracting, healthcare)
Leadership & Professional Skills
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in fast-paced environment
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Business development acumen and client relationship management
- Project management experience with budget and timeline responsibility
Preferred Qualifications
Specialized Experience
- Experience with SEC reporting and public company audits
- Government contracting and federal compliance experience (DCAA, FAR, CAS)
- Non-profit sector expertise including single audits and grant compliance
- International accounting and tax experience
- Merger and acquisition transaction experience
Additional Certifications
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
Industry Knowledge
- Washington DC area market knowledge and professional network
- Federal government contracting regulations and compliance
- Maryland and DC state tax regulations
- Non-profit and association management experience
Compensation & Benefits
Financial Package
- Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
- Performance-based annual bonus potential: 10-25% of base salary
- Partnership track opportunity for exceptional performers
- Annual merit increases based on performance and firm profitability
Comprehensive Benefits
- Full health, dental, and vision insurance (firm pays 100% of employee premium)
- 401(k) plan with 4% firm matching and immediate vesting
- Flexible PTO policy with minimum 4 weeks vacation
- Professional development budget
- CPA license maintenance and continuing education support
- Life and disability insurance coverage
Professional Development
- Clear advancement path to Senior Manager and Principal roles
- Mentorship program with firm partners
- Leadership training and management development programs
- Conference attendance and industry training opportunities
- Tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees and certifications
Work-Life Balance
- Flexible work arrangements including hybrid options
- Compressed work weeks during non-busy season
- Sabbatical opportunities for long-term employees
- Wellness programs and gym membership reimbursement
- Family-friendly policies including parental leave
Firm Culture & Environment
Our Values
- Commitment to technical excellence and professional integrity
- Collaborative approach to problem-solving and client service
- Investment in employee development and career advancement
- Active involvement in community service and professional organizations
- Innovation in service delivery and technology adoption
Office Environment
- Modern office space in downtown Bethesda with Metro accessibility
- State-of-the-art technology and software platforms
- Open communication culture with accessible leadership
- Regular team building activities and firm social events
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
