Job: Accounting Manager (Luxury Arts & Crafts)

Company Description

Our client is a well-established, family-owned wholesale distribution company based in the Boston, Massachusetts area, specializing in luxury fiber products serving the high-end arts and crafts market. With approximately 35 employees and a leading position within its niche, the company supplies a discerning clientele through brick-and-mortar retailers and online channels across the United States. The business is profitable, financially sound, and actively pursuing growth, including a small acquisition currently in progress. The leadership team fosters a collaborative environment in which initiative is encouraged and employees are given a genuine voice in shaping the direction of the company.

Objective of the Role

Our client is seeking an Accounting Manager to strengthen the financial foundation of the business and serve as a point of authority on all accounting matters. The successful candidate will ensure the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of the company’s financial records while progressively developing forward-looking financial capabilities such as cash forecasting. As the founders gradually transition responsibilities over the coming years, this position offers a clearly defined growth path, with the potential to evolve toward Controller and, ultimately, a senior finance leadership role within the organization.

Ideal Profile

The ideal candidate is an experienced accounting professional with a background in consumer goods, manufacturing, or wholesale distribution, ideally within a company of comparable size. Beyond technical competence, our client places significant value on cultural fit: the right candidate will have a genuine interest in the company’s products and the broader creative or crafting space, and will be motivated by the opportunity to contribute ideas and drive improvement rather than simply maintain routine processes. This is a fully in-office position, and candidates should be enthusiastic about working closely with a small, dedicated team in a hands-on environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate, clean, and timely financial records, ensuring the overall integrity of the company’s books.
• Manage accounts receivable and accounts payable, including tracking of prepayments and assets held abroad.
• Oversee payroll administration for approximately 35 employees through ADP, including health and retirement benefit programs.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external partners, including attorneys, tax accountants, and the company’s CPA.
• Support the company’s transition to a new ERP system and ensure transactional accuracy throughout the implementation.
• Develop and progressively enhance cash forecasting and forward-looking financial planning capabilities.
• Conduct ad hoc financial analyses and special projects in support of management decision-making.
• Contribute to the structuring of financial processes as the company grows organically and through acquisition.

Requirements

• Proven experience as an Accounting Manager, Senior Accountant, or similar role within consumer goods, manufacturing, or wholesale distribution; candidates from banking or insurance will not be considered.
• Strong command of core accounting functions, including AR/AP management, payroll, and tax coordination.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and comfort with ad hoc analytical projects.
• Experience with ERP systems; exposure to system transitions is an asset.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and a sense of ownership.
• Willingness to work on-site full time in the Boston area.
• An affinity for crafts, design, or creative consumer products is a strong plus.