Accounting Manager

Job Description

Job Description

**Posted by AJW Advisory Group on behalf of a client**

A Phoenix-based interior architecture and design studio known for delivering highly crafted spaces across hospitality, retail, and aviation is seeking a hands-on Accounting Manager to manage the firm's day-to-day accounting while also owning the accuracy, structure, and integrity of the financials.
This role is ideal for an experienced accounting professional who is comfortable being in the details—processing transactions, managing reconciliations, and handling full-cycle accounting—while also thinking like a controller. You will be responsible for ensuring the general ledger is clean, the month-end close is reliable, and leadership can trust the numbers used to run the business.
This is a working accounting role with ownership and accountability, not a purely strategic or administrative position. Office operations and HR administration are part of the role, but accounting is the core priority.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Ownership (Primary Focus)

* Handle full-cycle, day-to-day accounting including transaction processing, coding, reconciliations, and general ledger maintenance
* Lead and execute the month-end close process including reconciliations and financial statement preparation
* Prepare monthly financial reports including project financials and cash flow visibility
* Ensure accounting records are maintained in accordance with GAAP
* Serve as the primary accounting owner for the firm

Project Accounting, Billing & Receivables

* Manage project-based accounting including labor, consultant costs, and reimbursables
* Oversee client invoicing aligned with contracts and project milestones
* Monitor accounts receivable and follow up on past-due balances
* Prepare AR aging and cash flow reports

Accounts Payable & Expense Management

* Manage AP including invoice review, coding, and payments
* Ensure vendor invoices align with contracts and project budgets
* Oversee credit cards and expense reporting

Office Operations & HR Administration (Support Function)

* Support operational needs specific to a design/architecture firm, including billable time tracking, utilization, and consultant coordination
* Administer payroll processing including timesheet management
* Administer benefits through HRIS
* Support onboarding and offboarding
* Assist with general office operations related to accounting

What We're Looking For

* Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (MBA a plus)
* 8-10+ years of hands-on accounting experience, ideally within a professional services, architecture, engineering, or project-based firm
* Strong general ledger and month-end close experience
* Project-based or professional services accounting experience
* Experience with QuickBooks or Sage (Deltek preferred)
* Payroll and HRIS experience
* Highly detail-oriented and organized

6-Month Success Definition
At six months, accounting is running smoothly, the close is reliable, and leadership trusts the financials.