Accounting Manager

Job Description

Job Title: Accounting Manager         Department: Finance

Reports to: Corporate Controller 

About Gravis:

Gravis is one of North America’s largest providers of bulk transportation packaging solution. A platform investment of New Water Capital a middle market private equity firm, the business has been built through the acquisition of five leading players within the bulk transportation packaging category and is a North American leader in consultative and custom packaging solutions for blue chip industrial players in food & beverage, chemicals, and materials. Gravis is differentiated in its approach by behaving like a partner, not a broker, and the addition of experts in different product categories creates significant opportunity to cross-sell to a large set of blue-chip customers, benefit from additional scale in sourcing, and bring a professional approach to the space.

Position Overview

The Accounting Manager is a key member of the finance organization for a private equity–backed distribution platform executing a growth strategy through operational efficiencies. This role is responsible for overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, and supporting the integration of newly acquired businesses.

The position requires a hands-on accounting leader who can operate effectively in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment while managing and developing junior accounting staff. The successful candidate will partner closely with operations and finance leadership to strengthen processes, enhance controls, and support the company’s continued growth and value-creation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Run the monthly close process across multiple locations and legal entities
• Review and post journal entries, manage accruals, and ensure accurate cutoff
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition for distribution sales and margin reporting
• Oversee distribution-based inventory accounting, including standard costs, ocean freight, import fees and duties, reserves, obsolescence, and adjustments
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition, vendor expenses, and margin reporting
• Assisting with audit fieldwork for financial audits
• Reconciling and balancing general ledger accounts, including but not limited to; bank reconciliations, fixed assets, prepaids, receivables, payables, commissions payable, debt, and payroll liabilities 
• Collaborating with internal teams to resolve any billing or payment discrepancies.
• Directly manage junior Finance staff (AP/AR specialists) and review work product for accuracy and completeness while developing team members’ skills and judgment
• Help migrate potential acquisitions onto common systems, charts of accounts, and close calendars
• Supporting balance sheet setup, inventory validation, and working capital normalization
• Assisting the Corporate Controller as needed and other duties as assigned 

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Experience with consolidated financial statement preparation
• Microsoft Excel proficiency
• Mandatory periodic travel to corporate locations
• Hands-on ERP experience (NetSuite, Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, or similar)
• Strong understanding of US GAAP and close mechanics
• Experience in distribution, wholesale, manufacturing, or other inventory-heavy businesses
• Demonstrated ability to operate in fast-paced, imperfect environments
• Strong numeracy and analytical skills.
• Good problem-solving and time management skills.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Outgoing, personable, and flexible 
• Able to multitask and manage multiple projects.
• Self sufficient  

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• 6–10+ years of progressive accounting experience
• CPA or Public Accounting background preferred

Physical Requirements: 

• Sitting for long periods of time