Career Guide: Accounting Manager
Here’s what you need to know.
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What Is an Accounting Manager?
Every organization is responsible for effectively managing financial resources, and that’s where an accounting manager comes in. These experts lead accounting operations to ensure that cash flow is allocated appropriately, marking their role essential to supporting a company’s profitability.
From corporate offices and public accounting firms to nonprofits and government agencies, accounting manager careers are needed in diverse settings. They primarily oversee the day-to-day accounting operations of finance departments, but they wear many hats in between. The finance and business landscapes highly regard accounting managers’ ability to provide financial data that informs profitable decisions.
If you’re interested in building a career in accounting management, this guide provides key information about the role, as well as guidance on how to get there and succeed.
What Does an Accounting Manager Do?
Accounting manager duties may vary slightly based on organizational structure and setting. However, they most often apply seasoned accounting experience toward the following areas:
- Financial reporting and analysis: Preparing and analyzing monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements
- Team leadership and management: Hiring, training and supervising accounting staff as well as conducting performance reviews and fostering professional development
- Compliance and internal controls: Ensuring adherence to financial regulations like Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and establishing robust internal controls to safeguard company assets
- Budgeting and forecasting: Leading the annual budgeting process and creating financial forecasts to support strategic planning
- Accounts and audits: Overseeing general ledgers, managing accounts payable and receivable, and coordinating with external auditors
Accounting Managers vs. Accountants
Both work in the same field, but their responsibilities, experience and education differ. In fact, accountant roles are sometimes considered entry-level positions that you work in before becoming a manager. An accountant’s role involves:
- Maintaining financial records, preparing financial statements, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
- Often two to four years of experience
- Bachelor’s degree, sometimes a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential
Accounting Managers vs. Controllers
Controllers are most similar to accounting managers, and they’re both common pathways to leadership in accounting careers. The most significant differentiator is in their duties. A controller is responsible for:
- Financial statement accuracy
- Internal control design
- Financial result interpretation
- Risk assessment
Other Financial Manager Roles
Larger accounting departments sometimes employ teams where managers specialize in distinct areas of financial management.
| Role | Primary Focus | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Budget manager | Budget planning and control | Forecasting, monitoring spending, managing budgets |
| Finance manager | Overall financial health and strategy | Financial statement analysis, reporting, making investment decisions |
| Payroll manager | Employee compensation | Processing salaries, managing benefits, ensuring wage law compliance |
| Tax manager | Tax compliance and strategy | Preparing tax returns, minimizing liabilities, monitoring tax regulations |
| Internal controller | Compliance and risk management | Designing internal controls, conducting audits, assessing risks |
Accounting Manager Skills
A solid mix of technical and soft skills is critical for success. While they’re not always included in accounting management requirements like education and experience, they ensure you’re prepared to perform effectively.
Technical skills
- Accounting software and Excel proficiency: Familiarity with common platforms like QuickBooks, NetSuite, Tally and Excel supports efficiency and productivity.
- Understanding of GAAP and International Reporting Standards (IFRS): Deep knowledge of GAAP and IFRS strengthens your ability to ensure compliance and regulation adherence.
- Data analysis: Complex data sets are part of the role, and you must be able to extract insights and identify patterns.
- Financial analysis and forecasting: Once you analyze data, it’s critical that you’re able to interpret it and predict trends.
Soft skills
- Leadership: When you manage a team, you must have the ability to motivate, inspire and assess strong team performance.
- Communication: Conveying complex financial information to clients and stakeholders requires clear, effective communication abilities.
- Data-informed decision-making: Intentional and solution-centered decisions are often led by data, so you must be able to leverage this information effectively.
- Problem-solving: Addressing financial challenges, managing large budgets and ensuring regulation compliance requires you to approach problems confidently and with innovative solutions.
- Adaptability: As new technologies and practices evolve, you need to be able to adapt quickly and lead your team to follow suit.
How to Become an Accounting Manager
From experience to accounting manager education requirements, there are steps you’ll need to take to become a financial leader.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business or a related field.
- Secure internships and/or entry-level positions to build a foundation of practical experience. Pursue roles like staff accountant or financial analyst.
- Some employers require additional credentials, like:
1. CPA
2. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
Advance your education with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree or related program. While not always required, some employers prefer candidates with master’s degrees.
Related Degree Programs
If you’re interested in learning more about business fundamentals, check out our blog posts on business administration and degrees.
Accounting Manager Salary and Job Outlook
The median annual wage for financial managers in 2024 was $161,700.1
Employment of financial managers is projected to grow 15%, faster than average, between 2024 and 2034.1
It’s important to note that various factors can influence salary. For example, it often depends on location, industry, company size, as well as your education, certifications and experience.
1Bureau of Labor Statistics (Financial Managers). Accessed Dec. 12, 2025.
2Bureau of Labor Statistics (Financial Managers Pay). Accessed Dec. 12, 2025.
FAQs
Is a CPA required?
A CPA credential boosts your resume and sets you apart from candidates without one. However, not every employer requires it.
What industries pay the most?
As of 2024, the top industries include professional, scientific and technical services; companies and enterprises; finance and insurance; and manufacturing.2
What is the difference between an accounting manager and a controller?
The most significant differentiator is in their duties. A controller is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of financial statements, compliance with regulations and managing risk. Accounting managers lead finance departments and focus more on oversight.
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