Accounting manager
Also known as: accounting department manager, cost accounting manager, accounting director, accounting office manager, group accounting manager, accounts payable manager
About this occupation
Accounting managers assume responsibility for all accounting activities relating to financial reporting. They develop and maintain accounting principles and procedures to ensure timely and accurate financial statements issued, supervise accounting staff and manage the accounting activities within the appropriate time frame and budget.
A specialisation of financial manager.
Essential skills and knowledge
- depreciation
- financial analysis
- ensure compliance with accounting conventions
- support development of annual budget
- financial department processes
- accounting entries
- explain accounting records
- fraud detection
- supervise accounting operations
- plan health and safety procedures
- monitor financial accounts
- strive for company growth
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Treasurers and Controllers (O*NET 11-3031.01). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Monitor financial activities and details, such as cash flow and reserve levels, to ensure that all legal and regulatory requirements are met.
- Evaluate needs for procurement of funds and investment of surpluses and make appropriate recommendations.
- Develop and maintain relationships with banking, insurance, and external accounting personnel to facilitate financial activities.
- Delegate authority for the receipt, disbursement, banking, protection, and custody of funds, securities, and financial instruments.
- Receive, record, and authorize requests for disbursements in accordance with company policies and procedures.
- Advise management on short-term and long-term financial objectives, policies, and actions.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Enterprising, Social
Top skills: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Management of Financial Resources, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking
US median pay: US$166,570 a year (2025), 841,710 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingExtremely important (4.6)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.9)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.9)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.7)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Accountants and Auditors
- Financial Examiners
- Chief Executives
- Financial Managers
- Budget Analysts
- Personal Financial Advisors
- Investment Fund Managers
- Management Analysts
- General and Operations Managers
- Financial and Investment Analysts
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.