Manager of Accounting Special Projects

JOB SUMMARY:

The Manager of Accounting – Special Projects will play a key role in strengthening the accuracy, discipline, and efficiency of the organization's financial operations. This position will lead cross-functional initiatives focused on balance sheet account reconciliations, cost control, expense management, process improvement, and financial data integrity.

They will possess strong accounting and analytical skills, a continuous improvement mindset, and the ability to work across departments to identify issues, implement corrective actions, and drive accountability. This individual will serve as a trusted resource for resolving complex accounting issues, improving financial processes, and supporting the organization's efforts to maintain accurate financial records and achieve operational excellence.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: 

• Lead enterprise-wide initiatives to improve the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of balance sheet account reconciliations, ensuring all accounts are appropriately supported, reviewed, and resolved.
• Establish and maintain reconciliation standards, procedures, and accountability measures to ensure compliance with company policies and internal control requirements.
• Analyze aged reconciling items and unresolved balances, partnering with operational and accounting teams to drive timely resolution and prevent recurrence.
• Lead projects focused on identifying opportunities for cost reduction, expense management, and operational efficiency improvements throughout the organization.
• Review expense transactions for appropriate account coding and compliance with company policies, working with business leaders to improve consistency and accuracy.
• Identify trends, anomalies, and potential control weaknesses through detailed analysis of financial data and account activity.
• Partner with Accounting, Operations, Procurement, Human Resources, and Information Technology teams to improve financial processes, eliminate inefficiencies, and strengthen controls.
• Develop and implement reporting and dashboards that provide visibility into reconciliation performance, cost trends, expense coding accuracy, and project outcomes.
• Support month-end and year-end close activities by assisting with complex account analyses, accrual reviews, and financial investigations as needed.
• Evaluate existing workflows and recommend process improvements leveraging Oracle, Salesforce, and other business systems.
• Assist with internal and external audit requests related to balance sheet accounts, expense management controls, and financial process documentation.
• Develop and maintain process narratives, policies, procedures, and training materials related to assigned projects and areas of responsibility.
• Serve as a change agent across the organization by promoting accountability, financial discipline, and continuous improvement.
• Perform special projects, analyses, and investigations as assigned by executive leadership.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of accounting principles, internal controls, and operational processes while maintaining a practical business-oriented approach.
• Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

The qualifications listed below are representative of the elements required to perform the job successfully; however, in some cases, an equivalent combination of Education, Training, Certifications, and Experience may meet the job qualifications. 

Education, Training, Certifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
• CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional certification preferred.

Experience, Knowledge, Skill Requirements:

• 7+ years of progressive accounting, finance, audit, or operational finance experience.
• Demonstrated experience performing and reviewing complex balance sheet reconciliations, highly preferred.
• Experience identifying and implementing cost control and expense management initiatives, highly preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate and resolve financial discrepancies.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and driving organizational change.
• Knowledge of internal controls, financial processes, and accounting best practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Communication Skills:

• Must have the ability to effectively read, write, and communicate in English with employees and customers.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.

Systems and Software Skills:

• Proficiency in ERP systems and financial reporting tools; Oracle experience preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required.
• Experience with Power BI, Oracle EPM, SmartView, SQL, or other data analytics tools preferred.
• Experience leveraging AI and automation tools to improve financial processes is a plus.

Other Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record required.
• Occasional travel required up to 10%. 
• Must be able to comply with Summit’s Drug and Alcohol Policy and Background screening requirements, which may also include customer specific requirements based on contractual agreements.

PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties.

Physical Requirements: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for long periods.  Employee will occasionally be required to drive, bend, kneel, balance, lift <20lb, walk, stand, ascend/descend stairs, reach above and below shoulders, stoop, and twist.

Work Environment:

Employee will consistently be required to work indoors in an office or remote setting, sit or stand for extended periods of time, and work alone and with others. The employee will be occasionally required to travel. 

We are fully committed to equal opportunities for employment to all individuals regardless of race, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, and any other classification protected under the law. We are an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position, management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.