Job Description

Cook CPA, a growing, tech-forward public accounting firm based in Wichita, Kansas, is seeking an experienced and proactive Accounting Services Manager to take ownership of our Client Accounting Services (CAS) practice. This individual will supervise and mentor a 5-person team and directly oversee monthly financial operations, including payroll, financial reporting, and client onboarding.

Reporting directly to the Owner, this role functions as the firm’s internal accounting leader and point of stability. The ideal candidate combines accounting depth with strong people skills, a problem-solving mindset, and the initiative to refine systems and processes. They must also be capable of leading client engagements from onboarding through delivery while driving operational excellence across a diverse client base, primarily in real estate, oil and gas, and professional services.

Employee Value Proposition (EVP)

Purpose

This role exists to provide operational stability and leadership for a growing CPA firm serving Midwest-based real estate, oil and gas, and professional services clients. By taking ownership of the firm’s accounting delivery model, you’ll ensure consistent quality and client satisfaction while driving firm-wide process improvements.

Growth

As Cook CPA scales, this position offers a rare opportunity to grow into a senior operational leadership role. You’ll influence client success, internal systems, and team performance — with the potential to define new services, drive onboarding strategy, and become a firm-wide decision-maker. The long-term path includes director-level expansion and strategic client relationship management.

Motivators

If you enjoy solving problems, building scalable systems, mentoring high-potential team members, and leading client-facing initiatives — all in a tight-knit, agile environment — this role offers unmatched stretch, visibility, and strategic influence. You’ll make your mark not only by managing people but by elevating the performance and structure of the entire CAS practice.

Major Performance Objectives

1. Build and Lead a High-Performing CAS Team
Within the first 90–120 days, take full leadership of a 5-person accounting team. Establish weekly work rhythms, create clarity in ownership, and instill accountability by setting team KPIs aligned with client expectations. Provide coaching, conduct one-on-ones, and define what success looks like for each team member.

2. Overhaul and Own the Client Onboarding Experience
By month 4–6, revamp the client onboarding process to reduce onboarding time, improve data capture, and elevate the client’s early experience. Build a repeatable intake system that aligns with both AppFolio or Yardi and QuickBooks platforms.

3. Deliver Timely and Accurate Financial Statements Across All Accounts
Ensure all recurring financial statements are finalized by agreed-upon monthly deadlines — with a target of 100% on-time close for all accounts within six months. Work closely with Payroll and AppFolio/Yardi teams to align source data and reconciliation timelines.

4. Serve as Lead Problem Solver for Real Estate Accounting Challenges
Within the first 180 days, establish yourself as the internal “go-to” resource for resolving AppFolio and Yardi-related issues, complex reconciliations, or new client onboarding errors. Create resolution playbooks to reduce repeat issues.

5. Collaborate with Leadership on Strategic Growth Opportunities
Contribute to firm strategy by identifying new service opportunities or process gaps across client engagements. Within the first 12 months, propose at least one operational or advisory service line expansion.

Critical Subtasks

1. Supervise the Daily Activities of the CAS Team
   Manage workload allocation, maintain team morale, and ensure client deadlines are met consistently. Implement and optimize systems of accountability.
2. Oversee Client Payroll, AP/AR, and Month-End Close Operations
   Ensure compliance, timeliness, and precision across all recurring financial tasks, leveraging automation wherever possible.
3. Support the Tax Team with Year-End Financial Prep
   Deliver tax-ready financials for all accounts by early in the season and maintain real-time readiness during tax season.
4. Lead Client Communications with Clarity and Confidence
   Own the responsibility for ensuring clients feel informed, supported, and valued. Act as the first point of escalation and manage expectations proactively.
5. Develop Systems and Process Improvements Internally
   Redesign inefficient workflows and centralize documentation. Improve handoffs between team members, particularly between accounting and tax.
6. Drive Marketing, Referral, and Client Landing Activities
   Collaborate with Owner to identify referral sources, support lead calls, and convert qualified prospects into long-term clients via strong onboarding experiences.
7. Continuously Evaluate and Integrate AI to Improve Performance
   Within the first 90–180 days, take ownership of identifying how AI and automation tools can support or enhance the core responsibilities of this role — from reconciliation and reporting to onboarding and team communication. Implement one meaningful AI or process automation pilot project that directly improves team output or client satisfaction.

Culture and Situation Fit

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a stable yet evolving firm environment where ownership is hands-on, expectations are high, and success is defined by both client satisfaction and operational clarity. Cook CPA has a consistent growth trajectory, but still functions like a close-knit team. The pace is fast, especially during tax season, and rewards go to those who take initiative, adapt well, and find ways to improve systems — not just maintain them. Success here means taking responsibility, enabling others, and aligning people and processes toward common goals — especially when the founder is off-site.

If you have interest in considering this role, Good Works Talent invites you to confidentially submit your resume profile on the website job portal. 

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