Location: Bangalore
Shift Timing: 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM IST (5-day work week)
Position Summary
We are establishing a high-impact Accounting & Advisory practice in India to serve our diverse US-based clientele. We are seeking an authoritative and hands-on Manager to lead this critical function. This is an unparalleled opportunity to operate a “mini-firm within a firm”, sitting at the intersection of technical accounting mastery, direct client management, and strategic team leadership.
This role requires more than just closing books; it demands a leader who can act as a trusted, strategic accounting advisor, owning the quality and compliance of client financial outcomes while driving the growth and capability of our India team. If you are ready for a high-visibility role where ownership and impact are paramount, we invite you to join us.
Key Responsibilities
Client & Delivery Ownership
+ Manage multiple US accounting and advisory engagements simultaneously, ensuring all deliverables meet client expectations and firm standards.
+ Act as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for US clients regarding complex accounting, financial reporting, and advisory matters.
Oversee the end-to-end accounting delivery cycle for clients, including:
+ Monthly / quarterly / annual close processes.
+ Preparation and review of financial statements compliant with US GAAP.
+ Production of high-quality management reporting and variance analysis.
+ Ensure absolute accuracy, timeliness, and compliance across all client deliverables.
Technical Accounting & Advisory
+ Apply deep, current knowledge of US GAAP, accounting standards, and industry best practices to all engagements.
+ Review and sign off on complex accounting areas, acting as a final technical escalation point, including:
+ Revenue recognition (ASC 606).
+ Advanced accruals and estimates.
+ Intercompany and consolidation accounting.
+ Balance sheet reconciliations and substantiation.
+ Provide practical, actionable advisory insights to clients, moving beyond textbook answers to drive process improvements and strategic financial clarity.
Team Leadership & People Management
+ Lead, mentor, and actively develop a dedicated team of Accountants and Senior Accountants.
+ Allocate work effectively, set priorities, and manage capacity across a portfolio of clients to ensure optimal resource utilization.
+ Conduct rigorous review of all team outputs and provide effective, constructive coaching to drive quality, efficiency, and professional growth.
+ Oversee performance management, structured feedback, and continuous capability building within the team.
+ Cultivate a culture of high ownership, accountability, proactive problem-solving, and continuous learning.
Stakeholder & Communication Management
+ Communicate confidently, clearly, and professionally with US-based clients, onshore teams, and partners.
+ Translate complex technical accounting matters into clear, business-friendly language for non-finance stakeholders.
+ Partner closely with internal Smith + Howard leadership on strategic planning for delivery, staffing, and practice growth.
+ Represent the India team with impeccable credibility and professionalism in all internal and external forums.
Must-Have Skills
+ Certification: Chartered Accountant (CA – India) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA – US).
+ Experience: 8–12 years of progressive, post-qualification experience in accounting and advisory services.
+ Leadership Experience: Prior experience in a Manager / Controller capacity, responsible for:
+ Managing accounting and compliance for multiple US clients concurrently.
+ Leading and directly managing a team of accountants.
+ Technical Expertise: Proven, hands-on subject matter expertise in US GAAP accounting.
+ Review Authority: Demonstrated ability to review, advise, and sign off on complex financial and accounting work with final accountability.
+ Communication: Exceptional communication skills—both written and verbal—with the polish to engage senior US stakeholders.
Good-to-Have Skills:
+ Experience gained within a CPA firm / professional services environment.
+ Direct exposure to advisory, controller services, or outsourced accounting models (FAO/F&A).
+ Proven track record of working directly with US stakeholders and clients across different time zones.
+ Familiarity with common US accounting tools such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, Intacct, or similar mid-tier ERP systems.