Accounting Manager role in AEC — architecture engineering construction
AEC Career Library

Accounting Manager: Role Overview, Responsibilities & 2025 Salary Data

Accounting Managers supervise accounting staff and daily accounting operations for AEC firms. They manage accounts payable, receivable, project billing, and financial reporting processes.

What Does a Accounting Manager Do?

Accounting Managers supervise accounting staff and daily accounting operations for AEC firms. They manage accounts payable, receivable, project billing, and financial reporting processes.

What Does a Accounting Manager Responsible For?

  • Supervise accounting staff and daily operations
  • Manage accounts payable and receivable processes
  • Oversee project billing and collections
  • Prepare financial reports and analysis
  • Coordinate month-end close activities
  • Ensure accurate and timely financial data
  • Implement accounting procedures and controls
  • Support budgeting and forecasting

Accounting Manager Qualifications & Requirements

Technical Skills

  • GAAP and accounting principles
  • Project-based accounting software (Deltek, Unanet)
  • QuickBooks or similar accounting systems
  • Excel and financial reporting
  • Accounts payable/receivable management
  • Project billing and WIP reporting
  • Month-end close processes
  • Financial analysis

Professional Competencies

  • Leadership and team management
  • Problem-solving and analytical thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication across departments
  • Process improvement
  • Time management
  • Collaboration

Education & Certifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required

Certifications:

CPA preferred but not required

Preferred Qualifications

  • +5-10 years of accounting experience
  • +Experience supervising accounting staff
  • +Knowledge of AEC or professional services accounting
  • +Familiarity with project-based billing

Accounting Manager Market Outlook

Advancement to Senior Finance Roles

Accounting Managers can progress to Controller, Director of Finance, or CFO positions in AEC firms.

Typical Career Progression:

1
Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager
2
Accounting Manager → Controller
3
Controller → CFO / VP of Finance

Sample Job Description Templates

Accounting Manager

Position Overview

Manage accounting operations and supervise accounting staff for our architecture and engineering firm. Ensure accurate financials and support leadership with timely reporting.

Key Responsibilities

  • Supervise accounting team and daily operations
  • Manage AP, AR, and project billing processes
  • Prepare monthly financial reports
  • Coordinate month-end close activities
  • Analyze project billing and collections
  • Support annual audit and tax preparation
  • Implement accounting controls and procedures

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting
  • 5-8 years of accounting experience
  • 2+ years of supervisory experience
  • Experience with project-based accounting systems
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP
  • AEC or professional services experience preferred
  • CPA a plus

Accounting Manager Salary Ranges (2025)

$82,000

Entry Level: $65K – $75K

Mid Level: $75K – $95K

Senior Level: $95K – $115K+

Salaries vary by experience, location, company size, and specialization.

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