Accounting Manager, Public Practice - Permanent (Toronto)

About the Opportunity

Our client, a growing boutique financial advisory and accounting firm, is looking for a sharp, hands‑on Accounting Manager who can lead two Managers while still being very close to the work. This role is ideal for someone who built their career in public practice, obtained their CPA in a firm workplace, and genuinely enjoys managing both people and files.

About the Firm

Canadian boutique advisory and accounting firm serving a diverse portfolio of entrepreneurial and mid‑market clients; mix of advisory and accounting services (not a traditional audit shop); culture of hardworking, driven, and growth‑oriented with strong mentorship and partner‑track potential.

Duties

• Lead and develop two Managers (and their junior/offshore teams) while staying actively involved in technical accounting and file review.
• Own the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of financial reporting for a subset of the firm’s ~30 clients.
• Act as the “go‑to” person for full‑cycle accounting issues, practical problem‑solving, and getting things over the finish line.
• Bring structure, discipline, and a bit of healthy pushback to ensure the team stays organized, on time, and up to standard.

Client Accounting & File Ownership

• Oversee full‑cycle accounting for a portfolio of clients, including bookkeeping and general ledger maintenance.
• Month‑end and year‑end close.
• Bank and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Preparation and review of financial statements (IFRS/ASPE as applicable).
• Review working papers and supporting documentation prepared by Managers and junior staff.
• Provide practical guidance on accounting treatments and resolving issues that arise in day‑to‑day accounting.
• Support year‑end engagements, including audit and review coordination, and liaising with external auditors when needed.
• Review or assist with basic corporate tax returns / tax working papers where required (firm has tax support if needed).

People Leadership

• Directly manage two Managers, setting clear expectations around deadlines, quality, and client communication.
• Review their work, provide timely feedback, and coach them on both technical and soft skills.
• Help keep the broader team (including offshore resources) organized, prioritized, and moving in the same direction.
• Model a high standard of professionalism, accountability, and urgency.

Process, Discipline & Improvement

• Ensure consistent use of checklists, templates, and best practices on all files.
• Identify gaps in existing processes (month‑end close, reconciliations, working paper prep, reviews) and recommend practical fixes.
• Help implement more structure around planning, timelines, and communication with clients.
• Work with leadership to support incremental improvements in systems and automation (Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, Excel, and new tools).

Client Interaction

• Act as a day‑to‑day point of contact for select clients, responding to questions and managing expectations.
• Clearly explain financial information and requirements to clients who may not have an accounting background.
• Escalate issues appropriately while maintaining strong client relationships.

About You

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Public practice experience is mandatory; experience in accounting/bookkeeping/compilations (not audit‑only / assurance‑only).
• You have worked at an accounting firm, not just in industry.
• You obtained your CPA while working in an accounting firm (or completed the bulk of your CPA hours in public practice).
• Comfortable reviewing full files: trial balance, working papers, reconciliations, and financial statements.
• Proficiency with common accounting software (Xero, Sage, QuickBooks) and advanced skills.

Skills & Traits

• Solid full‑cycle accounting skills and understanding of financial statements.
• Proven experience reviewing the work of others and catching issues before they go to the client.
• Sharp, confident personality – comfortable pushing back on incomplete work, holding people accountable to deadlines, and speaking up with recommendations to improve how things are done.
• Naturally structured and organized; good at managing multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Strong communication skills with both clients and internal teams.

About the Job

• Salary range: $110,000 to $150,000 + bonus + benefits.
• Hybrid work environment (Toronto‑based).
• Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and influence the direction of the practice.
• Exposure to a diverse client base across industries.
• Strong mentorship and long‑term growth potential.