Accounting Manager

Great Plains Spca; Kansas; On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Plains SPCA in Merriam, KS seeks an Accounting Manager who will lead the finance team and partner with the CFO to ensure accurate financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.

The role requires proactive problem-solving, process improvement, and a strong focus on accuracy and accountability to support animal welfare and organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage complex financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance.
• Self-starter who proactively improves processes and supports strategic decisions.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting, GAAP, and grant reporting.
• Strong leadership and collaboration with CFO and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Finance Assistant to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Review the Finance Assistant's work for completeness and policy compliance.
• Prepare monthly financial statements and management reports.
• Manage the general ledger, journal entries, and reconciliations.
• Ensure GAAP and grant compliance through strong controls.
• Oversee grants, donations, and restricted funds reporting.
• Support budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial planning.
• Provide proactive financial analysis to leadership.
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes.
• Oversee accounts payable with proper controls.
• Monitor expenses and seek cost-saving opportunities.
• Coordinate documentation for internal and external audits.

Job description

Job Description

Accounting Manager

Job Description

Class: Exempt, Full-Time June 2026

Location: Merriam (On-site)

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Salary: $80,000 - $95,000

Great Plains SPCA located in Merriam, KS is the highest rated shelter in the Kansas City area that serves 7,000 animals and 500,000 residents annually. We are a results driven organization built on resiliency, compassion, inclusion, and accountability.

• Are you ready for a job that keeps you on your toes, both mentally and physically?
• Are you looking for a job where "predictable" is a dirty word?
• Are you as consistent as a cat's unwavering demand for treats at 3 a.m.?
• Want to make a daily difference for community pets?

At Great Plains SPCA, no role exists solely behind a desk. We believe every team member, regardless of department or title, plays a direct part in caring for the animals we serve. Whether it's walking dogs, folding laundry, spending one-on-one time socializing a cat, helping during an emergency, or stepping into operations when needed, we expect all employees to contribute to the daily care and wellbeing of our pets. If you're looking for a traditional office job where your work begins and ends at your desk, this may not be the right fit. If you're excited to be part of a mission where everyone pitches in to help animals, we'd love to meet you.

Position Summary: The Accounting Manager is a highly driven, results-oriented leader who thrives in a fast-paced, data-driven, mission-focused organization. This is not a position for someone looking to simply clock in, complete assigned tasks, and clock out. It is a role for someone who takes ownership, proactively solves problems, and partners with the CFO to drive the financial health and operational success of the organization.

The ideal candidate has a proven ability to manage complex financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance while adapting to changing priorities. They are a self-starter who continuously seeks opportunities to improve processes, increase efficiency, and support strategic decision-making. Success in this role requires initiative, accountability, sound judgment, and a commitment to excellence in support of our mission and compassionate care delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, drive, and develop the Finance Assistant, ensuring work is accurate, timely, and meets the highest standards of quality while continuously identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and accountability.
• Review and approve the Finance Assistant's work product, ensuring transactions are complete, accurate, timely, and processed in accordance with organizational policies and accounting standards.
• Own the preparation and review of monthly financial statements and management reports, delivering timely, accurate, and meaningful information to support organizational decision-making.
• Manage the general ledger, journal entries, and account reconciliations while proactively identifying and resolving discrepancies and process gaps.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, grant requirements, and all applicable financial regulations through strong internal controls and continuous process improvement.
• Oversee the tracking and reporting of grants, donations, and restricted funds, ensuring compliance with donor restrictions and maximizing financial transparency.
• Partner with the CFO to develop budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial planning while providing strategic recommendations based on financial trends and analysis.
• Serve as a trusted business partner to leadership by providing proactive financial analysis, identifying risks and opportunities, and recommending solutions that strengthen the organization.
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring deadlines are met while continuously improving the efficiency and accuracy of the close cycle.
• Oversee the accounts payable function, ensuring invoices and payments are processed accurately, timely, and in accordance with organizational policies while maintaining appropriate internal controls.
• Monitor and review organizational expenses, ensuring proper coding, policy compliance, and opportunities for cost savings or operational improvements.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of all financial data entered into accounting systems through effective review processes and attention to detail.
• Coordinate and prepare documentation for internal and external au