Accounting Manager

Company Description

Join the SPIE team, sharing the latest scientific advances in light-based technologies from around the world, including biomedical optics, astronomy, lasers, solar, nanotechnology, and more! Make a difference by doing important work with a successful, international not-for-profit organization.

Location

Physical work location in Bellingham, WA. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Culture

At SPIE, we believe innovation thrives when people feel valued, supported, and empowered. We cultivate a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous growth—where diverse perspectives are embraced, bold ideas are encouraged, and every voice matters.

Role Description

The Accounting Manager supports the Director of Finance by overseeing the day-to-day accounting operations and supervising Accounting Team members to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in all general accounting functions. This role serves as a key intermediary between accountants and senior leadership, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting, adherence to GAAP, and continuous improvement of accounting processes.

The Accounting Manager is responsible for reviewing accounting activities, including payroll, journal entries, expense account coding, balance sheet account reconciliations, bank account reconciliations, federal, state, and local tax returns and payments, bank wires, etc., and is required to prepare and execute certain accounting tasks. The Accounting Manager will also oversee and participate in the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements and monitor the general ledger and month-end close procedures.

The Accounting Manager has strong supervisory and analytical skills, in-depth knowledge of accounting principles, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee and participate in the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate financial reports in compliance with GAAP and IFRS.
• Review Journal Entries prepared by Sr. Accountants and other accounting staff.
• Prepare and review monthly reconciliations, accruals, allocations and triggers.
• Support the audit process by preparing and reviewing audit schedules, coordinating with staff and assisting with auditor requests.
• Assist in the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and budget-to-actual reporting.
• Oversee Accounts Payable process to ensure proper coding.
• Travel to meetings annually to provide Accounting support.

Core Competencies

• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and accounting principles
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to reason through complex accounting transactions
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to set challenging but realistic goals and effectively manage resources
• Familiarity with budgeting procedures and budget management
• Experience with budgeting and financial planning
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Education & Experience Requirements

• BA in Accounting or equivalent, relevant experience required
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience
• Minimum of 5 years relevant, professional work experience required
• CPA is desired

All materials must be received by 5 p.m. 06/23/2026.



SPIE is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. SPIE provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information.