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.

• Own the monthly close for portfolio companies, including journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, P&L flux commentary, and portfolio-level reporting, with a target of closing every month in 5 business days.
• 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 Quick Books 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• Active CPA license.
• Experience working within private equity, a holding company,…