Accounting Manager
Job Description
Class: Exempt, Full-Time June 2026
Location: Merriam (On-site)
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
Salary: $80,000 - $95,000
Great Plains SPCA located in Merriam, KS is the highest rated shelter in the Kansas City area that serves 7,000 animals and 500,000 residents annually. We are a results driven organization built on resiliency, compassion, inclusion, and accountability.
-
Are you ready for a job that keeps you on your toes, both mentally and physically?
-
Are you looking for a job where "predictable" is a dirty word?
-
Are you as consistent as a cat's unwavering demand for treats at 3 a.m.?
-
Want to make a daily difference for community pets?
At Great Plains SPCA, no role exists solely behind a desk. We believe every team member, regardless of department or title, plays a direct part in caring for the animals we serve. Whether it's walking dogs, folding laundry, spending one-on-one time socializing a cat, helping during an emergency, or stepping into operations when needed, we expect all employees to contribute to the daily care and wellbeing of our pets. If you're looking for a traditional office job where your work begins and ends at your desk, this may not be the right fit. If you're excited to be part of a mission where everyone pitches in to help animals, we'd love to meet you.
Position Summary: The Accounting Manager is a highly driven, results-oriented leader who thrives in a fast-paced, data-driven, mission-focused organization. This is not a position for someone looking to simply clock in, complete assigned tasks, and clock out. It is a role for someone who takes ownership, proactively solves problems, and partners with the CFO to drive the financial health and operational success of the organization.
The ideal candidate has a proven ability to manage complex financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance while adapting to changing priorities. They are a self-starter who continuously seeks opportunities to improve processes, increase efficiency, and support strategic decision-making. Success in this role requires initiative, accountability, sound judgment, and a commitment to excellence in support of our mission and compassionate care delivery.
Key Responsibilities
-
Lead, mentor, drive, and develop the Finance Assistant, ensuring work is accurate, timely, and meets the highest standards of quality while continuously identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and accountability.
-
Review and approve the Finance Assistant's work product, ensuring transactions are complete, accurate, timely, and processed in accordance with organizational policies and accounting standards.
-
Own the preparation and review of monthly financial statements and management reports, delivering timely, accurate, and meaningful information to support organizational decision-making.
-
Manage the general ledger, journal entries, and account reconciliations while proactively identifying and resolving discrepancies and process gaps.
-
Ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, grant requirements, and all applicable financial regulations through strong internal controls and continuous process improvement.
-
Oversee the tracking and reporting of grants, donations, and restricted funds, ensuring compliance with donor restrictions and maximizing financial transparency.
-
Partner with the CFO to develop budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial planning while providing strategic recommendations based on financial trends and analysis.
-
Serve as a trusted business partner to leadership by providing proactive financial analysis, identifying risks and opportunities, and recommending solutions that strengthen the organization.
-
Lead month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring deadlines are met while continuously improving the efficiency and accuracy of the close cycle.
-
Oversee the accounts payable function, ensuring invoices and payments are processed accurately, timely, and in accordance with organizational policies while maintaining appropriate internal controls.
-
Monitor and review organizational expenses, ensuring proper coding, policy compliance, and opportunities for cost savings or operational improvements.
-
Ensure the integrity and accuracy of all financial data entered into accounting systems through effective review processes and attention to detail.
-
Coordinate and prepare documentation for internal and external audits, maintaining audit readiness throughout the year rather than only during audit season.
-
Develop, maintain, and continuously improve accounting procedures, process documentation, and cross-training resources to strengthen internal controls, reduce organizational dependency on tribal knowledge, and ensure business continuity
-
Partner with departments across the organization to provide financial guidance, improve processes, and support operational excellence through collaboration and responsive service.
-
Support the maintenance, reporting, and continuous improvement of retail financial systems and related processes.
-
Demonstrate initiative by identifying operational inefficiencies, recommending improvements, and implementing solutions that enhance the effectiveness of the Finance Department and the organization as a whole.
-
Perform other finance-related responsibilities as needed to support departmental objectives and organizational success.
Key Competencies
-
High degree of integrity, accountability, resilience, adaptability, and sound judgment.
-
Proven self-starter with a strong sense of ownership who identifies opportunities, solves problems proactively, and drives results with minimal direction.
-
Strong knowledge of GAAP accounting principles, internal controls, and financial reporting.
-
Demonstrated ability to think strategically while executing operational responsibilities with accuracy and urgency.
-
Ability to analyze financial information, identify trends or risks, and provide recommendations that support organizational decision-making.
-
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong proficiency with accounting software; QuickBooks Online experience preferred.
-
Exceptional attention to detail while maintaining the ability to prioritize competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
-
Excellent organizational, project management, and time management skills with a demonstrated ability to follow through and deliver results.
-
Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to hold others accountable while fostering a collaborative team environment.
-
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with the highest level of professionalism and discretion.
-
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to partner effectively across all levels of the organization.
-
Comfortable working in a dynamic, mission-driven environment where priorities may shift quickly and flexibility is essential.
-
Demonstrated ability to learn and leverage new technologies and systems to improve efficiency, streamline processes, and support continuous improvement within the Finance Department.
-
Comfortable working in a dynamic, mission-driven animal welfare organization where priorities may
Experience Requirements
-
Bachelor’s degree in accounting preferred.
-
CPA designation or active pursuit of CPA licensure preferred.
-
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including at least two (2) years of supervisory or management experience preferred.
-
Knowledge of or experience working in animal welfare or a nonprofit environment preferred.
Additional Requirements
-
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
-
Successfully pass a background check.
-
Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds to waist height.
-
Ability to safely walk, handle, and restrain animals weighing up to 100 pounds.
-
Ability and willingness to participate in daily animal handling and other shelter-related responsibilities as needed in support of the organization's mission.
Work Conditions
-
Schedule: Monday through Friday, onsite, 40 hours per week, with flexibility during busier periods
-
Work is performed in both an office and active animal shelter environment.
-
Must be comfortable working around dogs and cats of all ages, sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
-
Position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, carrying, and other physical activities associated with office and shelter operations.
-
Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, dangerous or fractious animals, cleaning chemicals, allergens, and high noise levels is inherent to the shelter environment.
-
Work priorities and assignments may change based on organizational and operational needs, requiring flexibility and adaptability.
At Will Employment
There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Great Plains SPCA that employment is at will, which means that the employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or Great Plains SPCA at any time without cause.
Great Plains is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or for any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with Great Plains SPCA depends solely on your qualifications.
Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the ongoing needs of your department and the organization.
GPSPCA is an engaging, mission‑driven workplace where our team and the animals we serve come first. We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:
-
Health, dental, and vision insurance
-
Generous PTO, Days of Significance, and 9 paid holidays
-
100% employer‑covered mental health support
-
Disability and life insurance
-
403(b) retirement plan
-
Discounts on veterinary care, retail store items, and GPSPCA event tickets
