Accounting Operations Manager: Close, Controls & OPEX

APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS INC.; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and competitive health-benefi

Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals

Generous PTO policy with payout of unt

Relocation packages within the United

Job summary

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. is seeking an Accounting Operations Manager to strengthen financial oversight, reporting, and processes across its U.S. operations, including three sites.

You will partner with the Controller and Accounting Supervisor to drive close accuracy, cost analysis, and internal controls. The role emphasizes manufacturing‑oriented accounting, SOX compliance, and ERP oversight, with responsibilities ranging from GL to payroll and intercompany activity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Active CPA license required; candidates without an active CPA license will not be considered.
• 8+ years of accounting experience with month-end close, reconciliations, and journal entries.
• Experience analyzing operating expenses and providing actionable financial insights.
• Experience overseeing AP operations and resolving discrepancies.
• Proven ability to lead process improvements and strengthen internal controls.
• Independent leadership of cross-functional accounting initiatives.
• Experience in manufacturing, semiconductor, technology, or similar complex environments.
• GAAP, GL accounting, reconciliations, and financial statement support knowledge.
• Experience supporting audits, documentation, and auditor follow-up.
• ERP experience and familiarity with accounting workflows.
• Advanced Excel skills with lookups, pivots, and multi-source reconciliations.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to maintain documentation.

Responsibilities

• Support month-end and quarter-end close across AP/AR, accruals, cash, and intercompany activity.
• Review journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Escalate GL and accounting operations questions as needed.
• Prepare close-related reconciliations and work papers; coordinate with Controller on cash items.
• Support manufacturing accounting, including inventory reconciliations and COGS close.
• Review payroll-related accounting and reconcile GL accounts with HR.
• Oversee AP/AR operations and ensure timely issue resolution.
• Coordinate with Procurement, Receiving, Operations, Sales Ops, and Customer Service on discrepancies.
• Lead OPEX analysis across three sites and identify cost drivers.
• Drive process improvements, SOPs, close checklists, and automation initiatives.
• Support internal and external audits; operate within SOX and internal control requirements.
• Provide coaching and escalation support to accounting operations team.

Skills

Advanced Excel

GAAP knowledge

Financial analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership without authority

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Active CPA license

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. is seeking an Accounting Operations Manager to strengthen financial oversight, reporting, and processes across its U.S. operations, including three sites.

You will partner with the Controller and Accounting Supervisor to drive close accuracy, cost analysis, and internal controls. The role emphasizes manufacturing‑oriented accounting, SOX compliance, and ERP oversight, with responsibilities ranging from GL to payroll and intercompany activity.