Accounting Manager

Clifton Larson Allen  (CLA) Search has been retained by Summit Plating to identify an Accounting Manager to join their team

Summit Plating is a privately held industrial electroplating and metal finishing company headquartered in Thomaston, CT, with operations dating back to 1948. The company specializes in high precision electroplating solutions designed to meet strict industry and customer specifications, particularly for performance critical applications.

The Accounting Manager will serve as the organization’s primary accounting lead, responsible for owning all day-to-day accounting activities while also designing and implementing the foundational infrastructure, processes, documentation, and internal controls needed to support scale. This is a hands on, standalone role that requires someone who is comfortable executing tactical accounting work today while thoughtfully building a structured, well controlled accounting function for the future.

To learn more, :

• Lead full-cycle accounting, including general ledger management, journal entries, reconciliations, and month- and year-end close.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and expense reporting.
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements, including variance analyses and supporting schedules.
• Ensure accurate and timely transaction recording in compliance with U.S. GAAP.
• Maintain fixed asset schedules, depreciation, and prepaid/amortization tracking.
• Support payroll processing in coordination with HR or external providers.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Partner with external stakeholders, including CPA firms, tax preparers, payroll providers, and auditors.
• Assist with annual audits, tax filings, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Ensure adherence to internal policies and accounting best practices.
• Design and implement accounting policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Establish and maintain internal controls aligned with organizational needs.
• Develop standardized close checklists, reconciliation templates, and reporting packages.
• Evaluate and enhance accounting systems, tools, and automation opportunities.
• Build scalable processes to support growth, system implementations, and leadership reporting.
• Collaborate with leadership and operational teams to improve financial visibility and decision-making.
• Serve as a key advisor on operational accounting matters and process improvements.
• Support organizational growth by defining roles, documentation, and handoff processes for future hires.
• Act as the primary accounting resource across the organization.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
• 5–8+ years of progressive accounting experience, ideally within small to mid-sized or growth stage organizations.
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and core accounting principles.
• Experience owning accounting operations in a stand-alone or lean team environment.
• Proven ability to build processes, documentation, and controls from limited structure.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and familiarity with modern accounting systems.
• Highly organized, detail oriented, and comfortable operating with autonomy.