Role PurposeThe Accounting Manager is responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the company's financial operations. This role leads the monthly close process, oversees accounts payable and accounts receivable performance, manages credit and collections activity, maintains general ledger structure, and supports budgeting and forecasting initiatives.
Travers is a product distribution business with significant physical inventory across multiple locations. Experience in an inventory-intensive environment is highly valued-the right candidate will be comfortable with inventory costing methods, cost-of-goods-sold accounting, gross margin analysis, cycle count reconciliation, inventory reserves, and the interplay between purchasing, warehousing, and the general ledger.
Strong process discipline, internal control awareness, and team leadership are critical. Financial accuracy directly impacts cash flow, vendor relationships, compliance, and executive visibility into company performance.
Core ResponsibilitiesFinancial Close & Reporting- Lead and manage the monthly and periodic close process, coordinating timelines and reviewing deliverables
- Review and approve bank reconciliations and key balance sheet reconciliations
- Oversee journal entries, accruals, prepaids, and fixed asset accounting
- Ensure subledgers properly reconcile to the general ledger
- Produce internal financial reports including cash reporting and management summaries
- Maintain audit-ready financial records and documentation
Inventory Accounting & Cost Management- Partner with operations and purchasing to ensure inventory is accurately valued in the general ledger
- Oversee COGS accounting, landed cost allocation, and gross margin reporting
- Support and reconcile cycle count programs; investigate and resolve inventory variances
- Maintain inventory reserve calculations (slow-moving, obsolete, shrinkage)
- Collaborate on standard cost updates and analyze cost-to-actual variances
Accounts Payable Oversight & Working Capital Management- Supervise Accounts Payable operations to ensure timely and accurate invoice processing
- Monitor AP service levels and vendor payment timing to balance relationships and working capital goals
- Ensure vendor terms are optimized, including early-pay discounts and rebate tracking
- Resolve escalated vendor and internal AP issues; maintain strong internal controls within AP
Accounts Receivable, Credit & Collections- Supervise the AR/cash posting clerk and credit & collections staff
- Ensure accurate and timely cash application and customer account reconciliation
- Oversee credit evaluation processes for new and existing customers
- Monitor collections activity, aging trends, and DSO; escalate delinquent accounts as needed
- Maintain bad debt reserves and write-off procedures in accordance with company policy
- Partner with sales and customer service to resolve billing disputes and payment issues
General Ledger Governance- Own and maintain the chart of accounts; ensure consistent and appropriate account usage across departments
- Review coding trends, correct misclassifications, and maintain alignment between reporting needs and GL structure
- Ensure data integrity within the ERP and accounting systems
Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning Support- Assist department leaders in preparing annual budgets and periodic forecasts
- Conduct variance analysis using historical and trend data
- Support ROI and cost-benefit analysis for business initiatives as needed
Financial Controls, Compliance & Process Improvement- Maintain compliance with accounting policies and internal control standards
- Identify control gaps, process risks, and inefficiencies; standardize and document procedures
- Support audit and tax preparation processes
Team Leadership & Development- Supervise and develop AP, AR, credit & collections, and accounting staff; set clear expectations and provide regular feedback
- Cross-train team members to reduce key-person dependency
- Foster accountability, accuracy, and a service-oriented mindset within the finance team
QualificationsRequired- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
- 4-6+ years of progressive accounting experience, including hands-on ownership of the monthly close
- Prior experience supervising or mentoring accounting staff
- Solid working knowledge of general ledger accounting, reconciliations, accruals, prepaids, fixed assets, AP, and AR/credit operations
- Proficiency with ERP/accounting systems and strong Excel skills
- Understanding of internal controls and financial compliance principles
- Strong organizational and communication skills; comfortable working with non-financial stakeholders
- Must be able to work on-site five days per week at our College Point, Queens, NY headquarters (candidates in Queens, Nassau County, or nearby commuting areas preferred)
Preferred- Experience in a product distribution, wholesale, or manufacturing environment with real physical inventory (inventory costing, COGS, cycle counts, gross margin analysis)
- CPA or CMA designation (valued but not required)
- Familiarity with Infor SX.e or similar mid-market ERP platforms
- Experience with business intelligence tools (e.g., Phocas, Power BI)
- Demonstrated process improvement track record
Compensation & BenefitsTravers offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.
