Accounting Manager - CPG Client Lead

Overview

A growing boutique finance, accounting, tax, and strategy firm is seeking an Accounting Manager - CPG Client Lead to own client relationships and full accounting delivery for a portfolio of consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies. These clients range from early-stage emerging brands to scaling, VC-backed operations. This fully remote, client-facing role requires managing quality, timeliness, client satisfaction, and team execution across engagements.

CPG companies present unique accounting challenges such as complex cost structures, multi-channel revenue streams, trade spend management, inventory valuation, and margin pressure. The role demands expertise in these areas to provide clients with clear financial insights for decision-making.

Responsibilities

Client Ownership & Delivery

• Serve as the primary contact for an assigned portfolio of CPG clients, managing relationships from onboarding through ongoing monthly delivery
• Oversee the full monthly close cycle, reviewing and approving work before final delivery
• Prepare and deliver financial statements, board reporting packages, and management commentary tailored to CPG brand management
• Proactively identify margin trends, cost structure issues, trade spend efficiency, and working capital insights to support client decisions

CPG-Specific Accounting

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

Technical Accounting

• Identify and resolve complex accounting matters such as equity and SAFE transactions, deferred revenue, and intercompany activity
• Apply accounting policies consistently and escalate policy gaps or ambiguities
• Maintain accurate, well-documented, and audit-ready financial records

Team Direction

• Direct day-to-day accounting work of Associates and Senior Associates on CPG engagements
• Review deliverables thoroughly and provide actionable feedback to build team competency
• Manage close timelines and escalate issues promptly

Onboarding & Client Development

• Lead onboarding of new CPG clients, including chart of accounts design, systems setup, historical data migration, and process documentation
• Identify opportunities to deepen service offerings as clients grow or approach fundraising milestones

Client Interaction

• Own all client communication on accounting matters, including questions, updates, deliverables, and escalations
• Translate complex financial information into clear language for founders and operators
• Participate in client calls, board meeting preparation, investor reporting, and financial reviews
• Engage with operations, supply chain, and sales teams to gather necessary information

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; CPA strongly preferred
• 4–7 years of accounting experience with direct month-end close ownership; public accounting (Senior Associate or Manager level) or outsourced accounting experience preferred
• Hands-on experience owning the books for a CPG brand is mandatory
• Deep knowledge of trade promotion accounting, deductions management, landed cost, inventory valuation, gross-to-net revenue, and COGS structure in multi-channel CPG businesses
• Experience with retail, DTC, Amazon, and distributor sales channels and their accounting complexities
• Familiarity with CPG technology and operational platforms such as NetSuite, QuickBooks Online, Cin7, Inventory Planner, Shopify, and 3PL management systems
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP applied in startup or growth-stage CPG contexts
• Ability to manage multiple client relationships and meet deadlines consistently
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly
• Experience with VC-backed company structures, SAFE and convertible note accounting, and investor reporting is a plus

Measures of Success

• Client satisfaction, trust, and retention within the CPG portfolio
• Timely and accurate month-end close and financial reporting
• Delivery of insightful, actionable CPG-specific financial analysis
• Accuracy in trade promotion, inventory, and COGS accounting
• Effective leadership and development of Associates and Senior Associates
• Proactive issue identification and resolution, especially during critical periods

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $96,050 - $113,000 USD per year
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of employee premiums paid
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Generous unlimited paid time off, 11 paid company holidays, and paid parental leave
• Fully remote position with company-provided technology equipment and a $250 technology stipend
• 401(k) plan with company match

Location

• Fully remote within the United States