Accounting Manager

Job Description

Class: Exempt, Full-Time June 2026

Location: Merriam (On-site)

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Salary: $80,000 - $95,000

Great Plains SPCA located in Merriam, KS is the highest rated shelter in the Kansas City area that serves 7,000 animals and 500,000 residents annually. We are a results driven organization built on resiliency, compassion, inclusion, and accountability.

At Great Plains SPCA, no role exists solely behind a desk. We believe every team member, regardless of department or title, plays a direct part in caring for the animals we serve. Whether it's walking dogs, folding laundry, spending one-on-one time socializing a cat, helping during an emergency, or stepping into operations when needed, we expect all employees to contribute to the daily care and wellbeing of our pets. If you're looking for a traditional office job where your work begins and ends at your desk, this may not be the right fit. If you're excited to be part of a mission where everyone pitches in to help animals, we'd love to meet you.

Position Summary: The Accounting Manager is a highly driven, results-oriented leader who thrives in a fast-paced, data-driven, mission-focused organization. This is not a position for someone looking to simply clock in, complete assigned tasks, and clock out. It is a role for someone who takes ownership, proactively solves problems, and partners with the CFO to drive the financial health and operational success of the organization.

The ideal candidate has a proven ability to manage complex financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance while adapting to changing priorities. They are a self-starter who continuously seeks opportunities to improve processes, increase efficiency, and support strategic decision-making. Success in this role requires initiative, accountability, sound judgment, and a commitment to excellence in support of our mission and compassionate care delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, drive, and develop the Finance Assistant, ensuring work is accurate, timely, and meets the highest standards of quality while continuously identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and accountability.
• Review and approve the Finance Assistant's work product, ensuring transactions are complete, accurate, timely, and processed in accordance with organizational policies and accounting standards.
• Own the preparation and review of monthly financial statements and management reports, delivering timely, accurate, and meaningful information to support organizational decision-making.
• Manage the general ledger, journal entries, and account reconciliations while proactively identifying and resolving discrepancies and process gaps.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, grant requirements, and all applicable financial regulations through strong internal controls and continuous process improvement.
• Oversee the tracking and reporting of grants, donations, and restricted funds, ensuring compliance with donor restrictions and maximizing financial transparency.
• Partner with the CFO to develop budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial planning while providing strategic recommendations based on financial trends and analysis.
• Serve as a trusted business partner to leadership by providing proactive financial analysis, identifying risks and opportunities, and recommending solutions that strengthen the organization.
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring deadlines are met while continuously improving the efficiency and accuracy of the close cycle.
• Oversee the accounts payable function, ensuring invoices and payments are processed accurately, timely, and in accordance with organizational policies while maintaining appropriate internal controls.
• Monitor and review organizational expenses, ensuring proper coding, policy compliance, and opportunities for cost savings or operational improvements.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of all financial data entered into accounting systems through effective review processes and attention to detail.
• Coordinate and prepare documentation for internal and external au