Manager A&A

Talent500 is hiring for one of its clients.

About Smith & Howard:

Founded over half a century ago, on the guiding vision of Jim Howard and Joe Smith, Smith + Howard has grown into a family of companies serving clients across the globe through our tax, accounting and advisory solutions. The company has been dedicated to empowering businesses and individuals to achieve their financial goals through their personal and responsive client service. Smith + Howard is proud to have helped countless entrepreneurs find success and build thriving businesses. At Smith + Howard's integrated Indian hub in Bengaluru, Smith + Howard Advisory LLC, is focused on ushering in the next wave of innovation in the accounting industry. If you're eager to work on challenging projects in the global audit, tax and accounting space, this is your chance to join a truly remarkable team.

PositionSummary:

Smith + Howard is 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 Smith + Howard.

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.

Process Excellence & Scaling:

• Proactively identify and implement opportunities to standardize, automate, and improve existing processes to enhance efficiency and reduce risk.
• Contribute strategically to building scalable, robust delivery models for the Accounting & Advisory practice within India.
• Support the growth of the practice through meticulous documentation, template development, and establishing best-practice guidelines.

Qualifications & Skills:

Must-Have:

• 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:

• 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.

Location and way of working:

Location: Bangalore

Shift Timing: 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM IST (5-day work week

Interview Tips:

At S+H, we want you to feel confident and well-prepared as you explore opportunities with us. Take a moment to learn about our organization, the role you're applying for, and understand how your skills align with the role - it's a great way to walk into your interview informed and ready.