Accounting Manager [AQ-17893]

Aquent; Montebello (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent in California is seeking an experienced Senior Accountant to oversee daily accounting functions, month-end closes, and financial reporting in a manufacturing environment onsite in Montebello. The role requires strong Excel and ERP skills and a disciplined approach to internal controls.

You will analyze costs, monitor profitability, support budgeting and forecasting, and assist with vendor sourcing, payroll, and regulatory filings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or related field with 5+ years of progressive accounting experience in manufacturing.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, ERP/accounting systems, cost accounting, inventory valuation, and GAAP.
• Strong attention to detail, problem solving, and understanding of manufacturing cost drivers.
• Excellent communication and ability to translate financial findings for non-financial managers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounting functions (AP/AR, GL, payroll, cash) and month-end/year-end closes.
• Prepare journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statements with accuracy.
• Analyze job, product, and customer profitability; review cost variances and standard costing.
• Ensure internal controls and tax/regulatory compliance; liaise with CPAs and auditors.
• Monitor revenue, margins, cash flow; support budgeting, forecasting, and inventory valuation.
• Evaluate vendor quotes and assist with supplier sourcing and contracts.
• Manage payroll processing, onboarding, and benefits records; support COBRA reporting.
• Lead process improvements and mentor junior staff; handle special projects for leadership.

Skills

Accounting

Financial reporting

Cost accounting

GAAP

Excel

ERP systems

Inventory valuation

Job profitability

Budgeting & forecasting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP software

Payroll software

Job description

The role is onsite and the candidate most be able to speak some Mandarin or Cantonese.

Key Responsibilities

• Core Accounting & Financial Reporting: Oversee daily accounting functions (AP/AR, GL, payroll, cash) and manage accurate month-end/year-end closes, journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.


• Cost Accounting & Analysis: Analyze job, product, and customer profitability; review manufacturing cost variances (materials, labor, freight); update standard costing systems; and support pricing analysis.


• Compliance & External Coordination: Ensure internal controls, maintain tax and regulatory compliance (filings, sales/use tax, payroll reporting), and liaise with external CPAs, auditors, banks, and tax advisors.


• Financial Planning & Insights: Monitor financial trends (revenue, margins, cash flow), deliver actionable reports to leadership, and support budgeting, forecasting, and inventory valuation/review.


• Vendor & Sourcing Support: Evaluate vendor quotes, analyze major material purchases, assist with domestic/overseas supplier sourcing, and aid in contract negotiations (ERP, leases, telecom).


• HR & Payroll Administration: Manage complete payroll processing, assist with employee onboarding, maintain confidential personnel/benefit records, and support COBRA and workers' compensation reporting.


• Process Improvement & Team Leadership: Streamline accounting procedures, guide junior staff, and prepare to step into increasing departmental leadership and special projects for senior management.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience) with 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, ideally in manufacturing.


• Technical Expertise: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, ERP/accounting systems, cost accounting, inventory valuation, job profitability, and standard GAAP practices.


• Analytical & Operational Skills: Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a solid understanding of manufacturing cost drivers and operational workflows.


• Communication & Execution: Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; ability to translate financial findings for non-financial managers; self-starter capable of managing multiple deadlines with high integrity.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• CPA or CMA certification.


• Previous supervisory or accounting department leadership experience.


• Hands-on experience with payroll, benefits administration, and manufacturing ERP systems.


• Fluency in Mandarin Chinese or Cantonese (or other Asian/Pacific Rim languages) for supplier coordination.

Who You Are

• Hands-on & Accountable: A detail-oriented problem solver eager to manage routine execution while maintaining strict accuracy and confidentiality.


• Analytical & Proactive: A forward-thinking communicator who looks beyond the numbers to spot variances, mitigate risks, and optimize processes.


• Collaborative & Growth-Oriented: An adaptable team player who thrives across cross-functional departments and wants to step into a larger financial management role over time.