Senior Manager, Accounting

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ); Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority is seeking a Senior Manager, Accounting to lead the general ledger, month-end close, and financial reporting under the CFO. You will ensure GAAP and GASB compliance, manage the external audit process, and supervise accounting functions including accounts payable, payroll support, and financial analyses.

The role requires 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including government accounting, and a proven leadership record. CPA preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance or related field.
• 7 years of progressive accounting experience, with focus on the annual audit, general ledger, accounts payable.
• Minimum 3 years of government accounting experience, required.
• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience overseeing a team or major accounting processes, required.
• Experience implementing an ERP system.
• Master’s degree in accounting, Finance or related field, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads the preparation of financial statements, budgets, and reports in accordance with GAAP and GASB standards.
• Oversees the general ledger and ensures accurate transactions and timely close.
• Ensures financial controls and procedures are followed and compliant.
• Manages the external audit process and coordinates data requests with auditors.
• Prepares and presents financial analyses and reports to senior leadership.
• Develops and teaches accounting software and reports for the Finance Department.

Skills

GAAP & GASB

Leadership

Auditing & budgeting

Communication

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance or related field

Master’s degree in accounting/finance or related field

Tools

ERP system

Job description

SARASOTA MANATEE AIRPORT AUTHORITY JOB CLASS SPECIFICATION Job Code: 1042 Date Approved: 11/2026Grade: 46 JOB TITLE: Senior Manager, Accounting REPORTS TO: Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer DEPARTMENT: Finance FLSA STATUS: Exempt

Under the general direction of the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, the Senior Manager, Accounting is responsible for managing the general ledger and accounting methodologies that facilitate the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial packages. This role oversees the completion of the Authority's financial package preparation and directs the monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing activities of accounts payable. Additionally, the Senior Manager leads and supervises all accounting functions for the Authority, including accounts payable, general ledger management, and financial reporting, while ensuring the integrity of financial controls and compliance with established procedures.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance or related field.
• 7 years of progressive accounting experience, with focus on the annual audit, general ledger, accounts payable.
• Minimum 3 years of government accounting experience, required.
• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience overseeing a team or major accounting processes, required.
• Experience implementing an ERP system.
• Master’s degree in accounting, Finance or related field, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of generally accepted financial and governmental accounting principles (FASB & GASB).
• Recent working knowledge of new lease pronouncements (GASB 87)
• Knowledge of computer operations and software packages.
• Knowledge of reconciliation procedures.
• Knowledge of auditing and budgeting procedures.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, FAA regulations and airport policies relating to financial management, accounting, and grant administration, preferred.
• Knowledge of airport operations, preferred.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both oral and written.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, fellow employees, outside agencies and the general public.
• Ability to lead complex financial operations and provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership
• Ability to preserve confidential information.
• Ability to remain focused and self-disciplined.
• Ability to make independent decisions, recommendations, and provide necessary objective information.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Licenses and Certification

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), preferred.

Essential Duties

• Leads the preparation of financial statements, budgets, and reports in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards.
• Oversees the financial system general ledger, evaluating its effectiveness and recommending enhancements to the Chief Financial Officer, ensuring all transactions are accurately recorded.
• Ensures the integrity of financial control over the Authority's books and records, ensuring compliance with established procedures.
• Oversees the monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing activities of accounts payable to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Manages the external financial audit process, serving as the primary contact for the audit team and ensuring timely flow of information to auditors, coordinating data requests and responding to inquiries effectively.
• Oversees year-end closing activities including scheduling and preparation for external audits, leading prepared by clients’ schedules (PBC), process narratives, providing and/or coordinating support documentation for external auditors, vetting trial balance before submission and managing the document data portal.
• Prepares and presents financial reports and analyses to senior leadership, offering insights and recommendations for decision-making.
• Responsible for learning, understanding and teaching accounting software related to Finance Department. Provides technical support to Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable Specialists as necessary. Develops and generates specialized accounting and payroll reports as necessary.
• Reviews monthly bank reconciliations and account statements to ensure accuracy, identify discrepancies, and verify compliance with internal controls and financial policies.
• Assists the Chief Financial Officer in the preparation and presentation of the Authority’s annual budget including airline rates and charges.
• Evaluates and updates budget policies and procedures, offering expert support and direction to Authority staff to ensure consistency, accuracy, and fiscal accountability.
• Coordinates budget-related documents for presentation to the airlines and the Authority’s Board.
• Evaluates the work performance of direct reports; engages in transparent performance check-ins and appraisals and takes necessary corrective action or disciplinary measures when required.

Other Job Responsibilities

• Assists in developing department directives and procedures.
• Coordinates special and non-routine projects.
• Performs other duties as required.

Materials and Equipment Used: Computer, Calculator, Copier, Office Machines.

Physical Requirements: The Senior Manager, Accounting must be diligent in adhering to all work-related safety rules, procedures and regulations and take the precautions necessary to comply with the Airport Authority safety policy.

Mental Requirements: As a Senior Manager, Accounting, the employee must have the mental capacity to provide technical support to the accounting department; the ability to review accounting department transactions, prepare monthly and annual reports, maintain transaction documentation, prepare a variety of government filings, returns and specialty reports. As this position assists with preparing the bi-weekly payroll, the Senior Manager, Accounting must maintain confidentiality of information and develop and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, fellow employees, outside agencies and the general public.

Environmental Requirements: The Senior Manager, Accounting generally works in an office environment.

Summary Clause: The duties and responsibilities listed in this job class specification are intended only as illustrations of the various duties to be performed, and are not all inclusive. The omission of other specific duties does not exclude them from being performed by the Senior Manager, Accounting if the duties are similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. This job class specification does not constitute an employment contract between SMAA and the Senior Manager, Accounting and is subject to change at the discretion of the Airport Authority.