Assistant Accounting Manager

Freelancer.com; Philippines; On-site; PHP 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Freelancer.com is seeking an Assistant Accounting Manager in Manila to act as second-in-command to the Finance Manager. You will lead month-end close, review accounting entries, ensure statutory compliance, and develop the finance team.

The role requires strong accounting judgement, problem-solving, and coaching capability. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in financial accounting, BS Accountancy, and a solid base in AP/AR, fixed assets, intercompany, and Philippine taxation.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive financial accounting experience, ideally in a leadership role.
• Bachelor's degree in Accountancy or equivalent.
• CPA license is a plus.
• Strong foundation in month-end close, reconciliations and tax compliance.
• Experience with AP/AR, fixed assets, intercompany and revenue accounting.

Responsibilities

• Lead month-end close activities, including journals and reconciliations.
• Review entries for accuracy and proper accounting treatment.
• Ensure compliance with Philippine regulatory requirements (BIR, SEC, LGU, PEZA).
• Oversee cash flow, payments, and disbursements; approve schedules.
• Maintain internal controls and drive process improvements; support audits.

Skills

Accounting leadership

Problem solving

Coaching / mentoring

Advanced Excel

Analytical thinking

Communication

GAAP knowledge

Offshore/Head office collaboration

Education

BS Accountancy

CPA (preferred)

Tools

ERP systems

NetSuite

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Assistant Accounting Manager will act as the second-in-command to the Manila Finance Manager and will be responsible for strengthening the quality of financial accounting, month-end closing, balance sheet reconciliations, statutory compliance and team capability. This is a hands-on accounting leadership role requiring strong accounting judgement, problem-solving ability and the ability to coach the Finance Team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Accounting & Month-End Close

• Lead and review month-end close activities, including journals, accruals, prepayments, fixed assets, intercompany, revenue-related entries and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Review accounting entries and reconciliations to ensure accuracy, completeness and appropriate accounting treatment.
• Investigate and resolve complex accounting issues, variances and unreconciled balances.
• Ensure all financial transactions are properly recorded, documented and completed on time for month-end close.
• Support head office reporting, audit schedules and management review with clear and reliable accounting analysis.
• Act as the key reviewer and escalation point for accounting matters before final management review.

2. Tax, Statutory & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with BIR, SEC, LGU, PEZA and other Philippine government requirements.
• Oversee and review tax filings, remittances and statutory reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with auditors, external accountants, tax advisors and regulatory agencies.
• Keep management informed of relevant changes in financial, tax and regulatory requirements.

3. Cash, Payments & Operational Finance Oversight

• Oversee accounts payable, disbursements, reimbursements and expense management processes.
• Review and endorse payment schedules and financial transactions for final approval.
• Monitor cash flow requirements and maintain sufficient funding for operational needs.
• Ensure payment processes are properly supported, controlled and aligned with company procedures.

4. Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Establish, maintain and strengthen financial controls, review procedures and close discipline.
• Identify process gaps and implement improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency and accountability.
• Support process standardisation, documentation and automation initiatives where appropriate.
• Promote a control-conscious mindset within the Manila finance team.

5. Team Leadership / 2IC Responsibilities

• Act as the Finance Manager's second-in-command for day-to-day accounting operations.
• Supervise, coach and develop finance personnel, with a focus on improving accounting discipline and technical capability.
• Assign, monitor and review work outputs of the finance team for accuracy, completeness and timeliness.
• Provide technical accounting guidance to junior and senior team members.
• Promote accountability, ownership and continuous improvement within the department.
• Support the Finance Manager in managing deadlines, escalations, reporting deliverables and team performance.

• At least 7 years of progressive financial accounting experience, ideally as a Senior Accountant, Accounting Supervisor, Assistant Accounting Manager or equivalent.
• Graduate of BS Accountancy or equivalent qualification.
• Strong financial accounting foundation, with the ability to apply accounting principles to new or complex areas.
• Proven experience in AP/AR, OPEX, fixed assets, intercompany, revenue accounting and Philippine taxation.
• Strong experience in month-end close, balance sheet reconciliations and audit support.
• Ability to identify accounting issues, challenge incorrect treatments and drive practical resolution.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with ERP or accounting systems; NetSuite experience is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and organisational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with offshore or head office finance teams.
• Adaptability and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Knowledge of GAAP and exposure to internal/external audits and SOX compliance.
• Willing to work onsite in BGC and amenable to shifting schedule.

Nice to have:

• CPA license.
• Familiarity with reporting or reconciliation tools such as BlackLine, Tableau, Power BI, SmartView or QlikView.
• Background in process standardisation, automation or finance transformation initiatives.
• Experience working in a fast-paced technology, marketplace, online platform or shared services environment.