Manager, Expense Accounting

Company Description

At Brightspeed, we are reimagining how people live, work, play and connect by providing fast, reliable internet connections and an awesome customer experience in twenty states throughout the Midwest and South.

Backed by funds managed by Apollo Global Management, our vision is to accelerate the upgrade of copper to fiber optic technologies, bringing faster and more reliable internet service to many rural markets traditionally underserved by broadband providers, while delivering best-in-class customer experience.

Be a part of the team that will make this vision a reality….designing and building a world class fiber network and creating a customer experience second to none.

Check us out on the web!

Job Description

We are looking for a Manager, Expense Accounting to join our growing team! In this role, you will report directly to the Senior Manager, Expense Accounting and supervise at least two Staff Accountants. You will lead the enhancement and implementation of processes, policies, and procedures ensuring the accuracy of expense accounting and reporting, focusing on cost of sales. As Manager, Expense Accounting, you will play a key part in the month-end close and reporting processes, in-part by managing and ensuring the accuracy of complex journal entries for the company.

In this position, you will partner with key business leaders and finance partners to provide accounting guidance for highly visible expense areas, primarily cost of sales, and ensure adherence to both GAAP and company guidance. You will need to have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and will need to be a leader that can motivate and develop staff. Being detail-oriented with strong organization and presentation skills will be essential in analyzing data to effectively communicate both financial and operating results to key stakeholders.

As Manager, Expense Accounting, your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Oversee expense accounting for the cost of sales area/line item/function, including all network-related expense, which consists of poles, circuits and other critical company infrastructure
• Understand system interfaces between general ledger, sub-ledger and related systems to effectively record period costs, including the analysis of accrued and prepaid expenses
• Assist in managing the monthly, quarterly and annual close process
• Review and approve journal entries prepared by Staff Accountants, as well as prepare journal entries for more complex accounting matters
• Thoughtfully and critically review balance sheet account reconciliations ensuring proper supporting documentation; assist in the preparation of certain complex account reconciliations; train Staff Accountants on account reconciliations
• Analyze and explain income statement and balance sheet fluctuations monthly, including actual to budget, actual to forecast, and period over period results; communicate (both written and verbally) actionable insights to support business decisions
• Develop effective, value-add working relationships with teams across multiple disciplines and locations; cross-functional departments include other accounting teams, FP&A, Operations and Carrier Relations
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve accuracy and efficiency
• Research, effectively document, and participate determining in conclusion on technical accounting matters, including presentation to internal and external auditors
• Assist in facilitating and managing applicable internal and external audit activities
• Assist in developing and implementing accounting policies and standard operating procedures to support tracking and reporting expenditures in accordance with GAAP
• Manage and mentor team, providing guidance and performance feedback; develop and train staff to improve team expertise and efficiency

Qualifications

WHAT IT TAKES TO CATCH OUR EYE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• CPA designation, along with excellent fundamental accounting skills
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3+ years in a leadership role
• Experience with large-scale accounting software, preferably SAP
• Experience organizing a large volume of information and identifying and deploying automation tools/solutions
• Proficiency in the use of database tools and financial reporting packages
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including complex formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
• Clear communicator, experience running meetings effectively, and to explain complex concepts to a non-technical audience
• Complete ownership and accountability of the function given the deadline-oriented nature of the position; adaptable to changing business environment and organizational structure

BONUS POINTS FOR:

• Mixture of audit experience in a mid-sized or larger (Big 4) public accounting firm combined with industry/company accounting experience
• Background in the telecommunications industry
• Experience in cost of sales and margin analysis
• Master’s Degree in Accounting or Finance

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Additional Information

WHY JOIN US?

We aspire to contemporary ways of working.

Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Charlotte Observer, Brightspeed HQ is located on the 7th floor of the new Vantage South End - East Tower in Charlotte, NC. We prioritize hiring talent in the Charlotte area, whenever possible, to make it a truly vibrant destination for our hybrid workforce. At Brightspeed, we have roles that are designated as remote, hybrid, office or field-based, depending on the position, business needs and individual circumstances. We also invest in technology that enables our entire team to stay connected. Why? Because Brightspeed recognizes the value of finding the best talent for the job, wherever they may be.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Our benefits and paid time off programs reflect our underlying belief in promoting overall wellness through physical, emotional and financial health. Brightspeed offers a comprehensive benefit program, including competitive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; an employee assistance program; a 401K plan with company match and a host of voluntary benefits. 

Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the center of our grounding belief in Being Real. 

When we bring our authentic selves to work, everyone is better as a result. A diverse team helps us be fierce advocates for more accessible, inclusive and high-quality internet, because we believe doing so promotes equity in the communities we serve.

Brightspeed is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

For all applicants, please take a moment to review our Privacy Notices:

• Brightspeed’s Privacy Notice for California Residents
• Brightspeed’s Privacy Notice