Portfolio Accounting Manager

American Operator is looking to bring on our first Portfolio Accounting Manager to build and oversee day-to-day accounting processes, serve as a financial partner to our operator-CEOs, and eventually lead a team of Portfolio Accountants supporting approximately 20 operating companies each.

This role will help shape the accounting function, systems, processes, and team from the ground up. The ideal candidate enjoys building, can move comfortably between hands-on accounting and operator conversations, and thrives in an evolving environment. This role will report to our VP, Accounting and Corporate Controller.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own the monthly close for portfolio companies, including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, flux reviews, and portfolio-level reporting.

• Develop a standardized close calendar, prepare balance sheet reconciliations, and write clear P&L flux analyses to deliver accurate, timely, and well-supported financial statements.

• Create the pre- and post-acquisition accounting integration playbook, including supporting QoE analysis, cash-to-accrual conversions, and PPAs; opening operating bank accounts; bringing opening balance sheets, typically from QuickBooks Online, into American Operator’s ERP; and transitioning newly acquired businesses onto our accounting processes and technology.

• Design and document operating company internal controls, including approvals, segregation of duties, cash and banking controls, and vendor setup.

• Use technology and automation, including bank rules, AP automation, expense management, close software, and AI tools, to maintain a lean team and accelerate the close process.

• Hire, onboard, train, and manage Portfolio Accountants, including assigning workloads, reviewing work, and supporting professional development.

• Own the quality and timeliness of the close across operating entities, with a target of completing the monthly close within five business days.

• Meet regularly with operator-CEOs to explain monthly results in clear, practical terms, including what drove revenue, margin, and cash performance and what actions should follow.

• Partner with the Portfolio Growth team on operating KPIs, budgets, and performance reviews.

• Support the Controller with audit, tax, treasury, and payroll needs by delivering clean, well-documented operating company financials and supporting schedules.

• Continuously improve the accounting playbook as American Operator acquires businesses across new industries.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including ownership of day-to-day operational accounting and month-end close processes across multiple subsidiaries.

• 3+ years of experience managing accountants, including assigning work, reviewing reconciliations, and developing team members.

• Demonstrated experience building accounting processes from scratch and/or significantly modernizing existing processes, with a focus on efficiency and appropriate controls.

• Experience integrating acquired companies, including opening balance sheets, post-close cleanup, and working across a variety of data sources and technologies.

• A hands-on, “can-do” approach and willingness to operate as part of a lean initial team consisting of you and the Corporate Controller.

• Working knowledge of accounting matters common to small operating businesses, including inventory and COGS, job costing and WIP, fixed assets, accruals, and payroll.

• Ability to explain P&L statements, balance sheets, cash flow, and aging reports to individuals without a financial background.

• A passion for providing financial expertise to small businesses and supporting their growth.

• Ability to work effectively in an ambiguous, build-oriented environment where the systems, team, and playbook are still taking shape.

• A strong belief in the importance of small businesses and an interest in helping them remain locally owned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Active CPA license.

• Experience working within private equity, a holding company, a multi-entity roll-up, or another highly acquisitive organization.

• Experience preparing or analyzing QoE reports and PPAs and converting small-business financials from cash to accrual accounting.

• Industry experience in construction, the trades, distribution, manufacturing, or retail.

• Hands-on experience with tools such as Ramp, HubSpot, Gusto, and field-service platforms such as Housecall Pro or ServiceTitan.

The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus and equity. Please note that compensation is determined based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, education, skills, and other qualifications specific to the role.

$130K - $200K

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a company-matched 401(k), unlimited PTO, paid holidays, and paid parental leave.

Candidates based in Austin, New York City, or the surrounding areas will be expected to commute to and work from our local office. Candidates outside of these regions may work remotely. Periodic travel to both Austin and New York City will be required regardless of location.

American Operator exists because we believe the American Dream is worth protecting, and that small businesses are the backbone of our communities. To do this well, we need a team that reflects the real world: operators, builders, investors, and problem-solvers from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

Every company claims to be mission-driven, but our mission is simple, tangible, and urgent: preserve the legacy of America’s small businesses and create more pathways to meaningful ownership.

We partner with operators who want to step into leadership, take responsibility for great companies, and continue the work that founders spent decades building. When we succeed, communities keep their employers, families keep their livelihoods, and operators get the chance to build wealth through real ownership.

We work hard because we know what’s at stake: generational businesses that deserve to thrive, and talented operators who deserve the chance to lead them. And while we measure our success in deals closed and businesses grown, the real reward is seeing these companies continue to serve their people and their towns, stronger than before.

Where else do you get the opportunity to help someone become a CEO, preserve a founder’s life’s work, and strengthen a community, all in the same job? That’s what makes our work both serious and incredibly fulfilling.