Accounting Manager - Virtual Firm

About Us:

At Alpine Ridge Accounting, we’re more than just numbers—we’re about empowering women-owned businesses to thrive. We’re a small but mighty team of financial pros who know the importance of balance—between work, play, and everything in between. Founded in 2020, we’ve grown by helping our clients conquer their financial challenges, so they can focus on what really matters to them. And now, we’re looking for a part-time Payroll Specialist who’s ready to dive in and make a difference. While we are based out of Bozeman, MT, we are a virtual firm.

Purpose:

The Accounting Manager serves as a trusted advisor and primary financial leader for our clients, ensuring the delivery of accurate and insightful accounting services. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of clients’ financial operations, including month-end close, reporting, cash flow management, financial planning and analysis and advisory services.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years of accounting experience and a solid understanding of core accounting principles & GAAP, financial reporting, advisory insights, operational workflows, client management, and cloud accounting technology. This is a great opportunity for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is ready to make a meaningful impact supporting growing small businesses.

Key Success Factors:

These are the attributes, skills, and competencies that contribute to success in the role:

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong technical knowledge of accounting principles
• Proven ability to analyze financial data and communicate insights clearly to clients
• Ability to build and maintain trusted client relationships through proactive communication
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple client engagements simultaneously
• Proficiency with cloud-based accounting systems (e.g., QuickBooks Online and BILL)
• Leadership skills to mentor team members and support continuous improvement in processes and service quality
• Focus on effectiveness and efficiency

Responsibilities:

These are the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of the role:

Financial Reporting & Accounting Category

• Oversee monthly close processes, reconciliations, and financial reporting for multiple clients
• Ensure financial reporting accuracy using available tools to support efficient workflows and timely deliverables
• Review workpapers, schedules, and completed reporting packages to ensure accurate financial reporting
• Prepare and review financial statements
• Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable across multiple clients
• Perform financial analysis to determine covenant compliance for banking purposes
• Demonstrate deep understanding of cash, accrual, and full GAAP basis accounting
• Maintain a strong understanding of the full-cycle accounting function

Financial Planning, Analysis & Advisory

• Conduct industry benchmark comparisons and KPI analysis
• Oversee preparation of budgets and forecasts as outlined in client engagements
• Provide financial planning and analysis services as identified in each engagement
• Provide tactical operational and financial planning guidance to clients and team members
• Present financial results and analysis to clients as directed
• Offer technical accounting and advisory assistance to clients and internal teams
• Provide ongoing financial advisory and guidance to assigned clients

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for client inquiries related to financial management and performance
• Act as liaison between clients and tax preparers or other professional service providers
• Work directly with the business owner and internal accounting team to deliver accurate financial insights and support decision-making
• Maintain focused industry knowledge and subject matter expertise relevant to client needs

Leadership, Team Management & Development

• Manage the accounting team on client accounting and financial reporting matters.
• Train and mentor staff accountants and bookkeepers to ensure high-quality, consistent work.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance team efficiency and service quality.
• Prepare, analyze, and update engagement budgets to ensure profitable and effective service delivery.

Technology, Process & Workflow Optimization

• Foster and facilitate a fully integrated technology stack to support automation and efficiency
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, processes, and operational effectiveness

Business Development

• Identify business development opportunities, including cross-selling services and identifying potential new clients

Key Performance Indicators:

• Client Profitability – Maintain or increase profitability across assigned client engagements
• Client Retention – Achieve high retention rates through consistent service quality and strong client relationships
• Revenue Growth – Contribute to meeting or exceeding firm revenue growth targets
• Utilization Rate – Meet or exceed target billable hours as a percentage of total available hours
• Realization Rate – Achieve target realization by ensuring billable work aligns with engagement scope and minimizes write-downs
• Quantitative Performance Score – Achieve performance targets based on weighted quantitative and qualitative measures
• Role Mastery – Demonstrate full competency and mastery of responsibilities for the current position
• Quality of Deliverables – Produce accurate, timely, and high-quality work with minimal errors or rework required

Qualifications/Skills and Experience/Personal Attributes:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field (Finance) - consider other options like business, engineering, communication, data analyst
• 5+ years of experience in public/private accounting
• 3+ years managing associates and/or teams
• Demonstrates an understanding of engagement economics
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting requirements
• Proficiency in QuickBooks Online, Excel, and cloud-based financial tools
• Demonstrates specific industry expertise and is working towards client/industry alignment

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
• CPA, CMA Certification encouraged
• Industry Certifications as appropriate
• The firm preferred tech stack

Personal Attributes:

• Ability to influence others
• Strategic thinking
• Ability to develop self and others
• Demonstrate proficient oral and written communication skills to interact effectively with both team members and clients
• Independently manage clients
• Ability to promote and manage constructive change
• Manage and motivate team
• Prioritize and focus in a high-pace, multitasking environment
• Demonstrate initiative and proactively drive professional development and advancement
• Take initiative to seek out new client opportunities
• Identify opportunities for collaboration
• Develop networking skills needed for business development

Perks:

• Competitive salary $50,000 - $70,000, DOE
• Retirement plan with a 3% match
• Supplemental health insurance
• Relaxed and flexible work environment
• Work from anywhere—whether that’s your home, a coffee shop, or while you’re on the road
• Flexible hours so you can keep living your best life