Accounting Manager/Senior Accountant
Position Summary
The Accounting Manager is the senior financial leader responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of all financial operations within a Retail Cannabis operation. Reporting directly to the President, this role oversees all accounting functions, financial reporting, internal controls, cash management, and cannabis industry-specific compliance requirements, including IRC Section 280E.
Operating with a high degree of technical expertise and collaborative spirit, the Accounting Manager supports the President, the Board of Directors, and the ESOP trustee. This role is a focused financial leadership position without supervisory authority over non-finance functions, HR, operations, or executive advisory responsibilities outside of the finance department.
Core Responsibilities
Financial Management & Reporting
- Oversee day-to-day accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger, and bank reconciliations.
- Prepare timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
- Present scheduled financial reports to the President and Board of Directors.
- Manage cash flow planning and forecasting to ensure adequate operational liquidity.
- Lead the annual budgeting process alongside the President and department leaders.
- Monitor budget-versus-actual performance and provide variance analysis.
Cannabis Compliance & Tax
- Ensure full compliance with IRC Section 280E application to retail operations.
- Coordinate with external tax advisors for timely federal, state, and local filings.
- Maintain current knowledge of Massachusetts cannabis tax regulations.
- Align financial practices with Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) requirements.
ESOP Financial Administration
- Coordinate with the ESOP trustee and plan administrator for required financial reporting.
- Maintain and provide comprehensive financial records for annual ESOP valuations.
- Support the annual ESOP audit process by preparing required documentation.
- Align financial practices with ESOP plan requirements and fiduciary standards.
Internal Controls & Audit
- Design, implement, and monitor robust internal controls to safeguard company assets.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors during annual audits.
- Identify financial risks and recommend corrective actions to the President.
- Retain financial documentation according to federal, state, and cannabis regulatory requirements.
Vendor & Banking Relationships
- Manage relationships with banking institutions, insurance carriers, and financial vendors.
- Oversee procurement and renewal of company insurance policies with the President.
- Negotiate payment terms and manage vendor accounts to optimize cash flow.
Qualifications
Required
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience, with 2+ years in leadership.
- QuickBooks Mastery: Advanced hands-on experience managing complex ledgers within QuickBooks.
- Advanced Excel Skills: High proficiency building financial models, pivot tables, and VLOOKUPs.
- Tech-Savvy Mindset: Demonstrated ability to learn, integrate, and troubleshoot modern retail software, METRC, and digital workflows quickly.
- Technical Compliance: Proven knowledge of GAAP, audit management, and financial statement preparation.
- Communication: Strong ability to present financial data clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
Preferred
- CPA designation or active pursuit of CPA licensure.
- Experience in the cannabis, retail, or highly regulated industry environment.
- Familiarity with IRC Section 280E application in cannabis operations.
- Experience supporting ESOP plan administration and annual valuations.
- Knowledge of Massachusetts CCC financial reporting and compliance requirements.