Accounting Manager - CPG Client Lead

Overview

This role owns the client relationship and full accounting delivery for an assigned portfolio of consumer packaged goods (CPG) clients, from early-stage emerging brands through scaling, VC-backed operations. The Client Lead, Accounting — CPG is accountable for quality, timeliness, client satisfaction, and team execution across all engagements managed.

This position is fully remote and client-facing.

Responsibilities

Client Ownership & Delivery

• Serve as the primary point of contact for an assigned portfolio of CPG clients, owning relationships from onboarding through ongoing monthly delivery
• Oversee the full monthly close cycle for each client, reviewing and approving Associate and Senior Associate work before final delivery
• Prepare and deliver financial statements, board reporting packages, and management-level commentary that is accurate, clear, and relevant to how CPG brands are managed
• Proactively surface observations on margin trends, cost structure, trade spend efficiency, and working capital to support better client decisions

CPG-Specific Accounting

• Manage and reconcile trade promotion accruals, deductions, and promotional liabilities with precision
• Own inventory accounting across multiple channels and fulfillment models, including landed cost calculation, obsolescence reserves, and inventory reconciliation across 3PL and warehouse partners
• Apply appropriate COGS structure and gross-to-net revenue accounting for multi-channel CPG businesses selling through DTC, Amazon, retail, and distributor networks
• Manage co-packer, contract manufacturer, and supplier accruals with accuracy and appropriate documentation
• Support slotting fee accounting, new retail placement costs, and retailer compliance charge classification
• Ensure correct revenue recognition across channel types, promotional periods, and return and deduction activity

Technical Accounting

• Identify and resolve complex accounting matters including equity and SAFE transactions, deferred revenue, intercompany activity, and other issues common to VC-backed early-stage companies
• Apply accounting policy correctly and consistently across engagements; surface policy gaps or ambiguities for resolution
• Ensure client financial records are accurate, well-documented, and audit-ready at all times

Team Direction

• Direct day-to-day accounting work of Associates and Senior Associates across all CPG client engagements in the portfolio
• Review deliverables thoroughly before client delivery and provide direct, actionable feedback to build CPG accounting competency across the team
• Manage close timelines and escalate capacity, quality, or coverage issues promptly

Onboarding & Client Development

• Lead onboarding of new CPG clients, including chart of accounts design tailored to CPG P&L structures, systems setup, historical data migration, and process documentation
• Identify opportunities within the client portfolio to deepen service as clients grow, add channels, or approach fundraising milestones; communicate opportunities to Team Leads

Scope & Decision Rights

• Own day-to-day accounting decisions within the assigned CPG client portfolio
• Direct the work of Associates and Senior Associates on client engagements
• Escalate technical policy questions, complex transactions, and high-risk client issues to Team Leads
• Does not set firm-wide accounting standards or make unilateral changes to service scope

Client Interaction

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients
• Own accounting-related client communication, including day-to-day questions, close status updates, deliverable delivery, and escalation management
• Translate complex financial and accounting information into clear, plain-language communication for CPG founders and operators
• Participate in client calls, board meeting preparation, investor reporting discussions, and lender or retailer financial reviews as needed
• Engage with CPG stakeholders (including operations leads, supply chain partners, and sales teams) to gather information needed for accurate financial reporting

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; CPA strongly preferred
• 4–7 years of accounting experience with direct ownership of month-end close; public accounting (Senior Associate or Manager level) or outsourced accounting experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated, hands-on experience with CPG accounting (must have owned the books for a CPG brand)
• Deep familiarity with trade promotion accounting, deductions management, landed cost and inventory valuation, gross-to-net revenue, and COGS structure in a multi-channel CPG context
• Experience working with CPG brands selling through retail, DTC, Amazon, and distributor channels
• Familiarity with common CPG technology and operational platforms including NetSuite, QuickBooks Online, Cin7, Inventory Planner, Shopify, and 3PL management systems
• Strong working command of GAAP with hands-on experience applying it in startup or growth-stage CPG company contexts
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple client relationships simultaneously and deliver consistently on deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate financial information clearly for founders and non-finance operators
• Experience with VC-backed company structures, SAFE and convertible note accounting, and investor reporting is a strong plus

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA
• Public accounting experience at the Senior Associate or Manager level

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Range

• 96,050 - 113,000 USD per year (Remote)

Benefits & Perks

• Health & Wellness: Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage; 100% of the employee’s health insurance premium is covered
• Financial Security: Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Work/Life Balance: Generous Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO), 11 Paid Company Holidays, and comprehensive Paid Parental Leave
• Remote Work Setup: Fully remote; company-provided technology equipment and a $250 technology stipend for home office setup
• 401k with a company match

Location

• Fully remote