Manager of Accounting Operations

The Manager of Accounting Operations will be a key member of the Controllership function at it's regional headquarters in Everett, MA.  The Controllership team operates in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, functioning as a proactive business partner and assisting the business leaders with their accounting and compliance responsibilities.  The position will report directly to the Controller and will be primarily responsible for ensuring 1) the monthly closing package (financial statements, schedules, and variance analysis) is filed timely and accurately and in accordance with US GAAP and Corporate policies, 2) the general ledger account reconciliations are complete and effective, 3) Compliance with SOX 404, 4) management of the internal and external audit process, 5) Ad hoc projects designed to promote process improvement and development of best practices.

Essential Functions:Manage the month end close process for the region, which is composed of 13 facilities throughout the Northeast.Maintain the region's general ledger accounts and monitor account activity including allocations, depreciation, and intra-business unit accounting.Manage the account reconciliation process by ensuring the maintenance of accurate and complete account reconciliations and supporting documentation, including supporting sub-ledgers, journal and other financial documentation.Compile and prepare financial statements and month end closing package.Examine financial statements for completeness, accuracy and conformance with generally accepted accounting principles.Perform balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows variance analysis from prior periods and present results to Corporate on a monthly basis.Contribute to the annual budget process and prepare meaningful actual v. budget comparison analysis.Prepare qualitative and quantitative disclosure information for SEC filings.Perform and approve account analysis such as, but not limited to: balance sheet accruals and provisions, expense and salary accruals, departmental expense analysis, employee relocations, travel advances, salary, tax and other specified accounts.Provide financial analysis and advice to region business leaders as requested.Identify management information needs; develop non-standard reports and statements when required.Research authoritative accounting literature for proper treatment of business transactions.Execute special projects either individually or in a collaboration with others on an 'Ad Hoc' basis.Coordinate the updating of monthly audit schedules as well as organize quarterly audit work and prepare supporting schedules.Supervise and Mentor direct reports and provide effective performance evaluations.Manage the requirements of internal and external audit and provide and implement internal control improvements when necessary.Prepare accounting policies and procedures and provide training as necessary.Lead the SOX 404 Compliance effort by ensuring control owners are completing their control responsibilities and are properly trained in the design of the internal controls.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting and strong knowledge of US GAAP required.  7-10 years auditing or accounting experience with at least 3 years in a managerial position desired.  SOX 404 Compliance experience preferred.  CPA preferred; Big Four experience a plus.  Oracle experience or experience with large ERP financial system required.  MS Excel and Word and PowerPoint skills is desired.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to: lift and carry up to 30 pounds occasionally; sit for extended periods of time of up to 6-8 hours per day; write by hand and keyboard for extended periods of time, up to 6-8 hours per day; assemble papers, paper punch, staple, file; apply sufficient force to open and close file drawers.  Ability to: communicate by speech and hearing continuously.  Communication is primarily in person and sometimes by phone; with other departments within the Schnitzer Group.  Visual acuity needed for close detail work, preparing and analyzing data figures and computer use.

Internal Control Responsibilities:

Ongoing involvement in the design, assessment, implementation, communication, and monitoring of the organization's internal controls in accordance with regulations and laws.

Maintain policies and procedures to ensure efficient operations, maintaining adequate internal controls.  Ensure internal controls are adhered to and kept up to date.  Encourage the reporting of any control violations.  maintain current knowledge of internal control changes and be involved with refinement of the internal control process as necessary.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position will have supervisory responsibilities.

Interpersonal Contacts:

Primarily face-to-face and some phone contact with all levels of personnel, including management, and other divisions and companies of Schnitzer Steel, Inc. to collect information and for consultation and presentation.

Job Conditions:

Average office environment with little natural light on most days.  Time within the operations will also be required.  Overtime will be required to complete deadline work.  Travel will be required within the Northeast, and may extend to other regions.

PLEASE NOTE: The above statements are designed to outline the functions and position requirements of this job.  It does not identify all tasks that may be expected, nor address the performance standards that must be maintained.