Accounting Manager in Charleston, South Carolina at The GEL Group, Inc.

• About The GEL Group, Inc.

The GEL Group, Inc. is a family of companies built around a shared commitment to protecting our environment and natural resources. For more than four decades, we have partnered with clients across the United States and around the world to provide trusted environmental and engineering services, surveying, analytical testing, remediation support, PFAS testing, and subsurface technologies.

What sets GEL apart is the combination of advanced technology, experienced professionals, and a deep commitment to delivering defensible data on time. Across GEL Laboratories, LLC; GEL Engineering, LLC; GEL Solutions, LLC; and Cape Fear Analytical, LLC, our teams bring specialized expertise and a common purpose to every project.

At the heart of our work is GEL’s Core Purpose: To improve the quality of life for this and future generations by helping people protect and be good stewards of our environment and natural resources. That purpose guides how we serve our clients, support our communities, and approach every challenge with integrity, precision, and care.

At GEL, we are proud of our legacy, but even more focused on the impact we can make moving forward.

About the role

The GEL Group, Inc. is looking for a highly motivated Accounting Manager to join our team of accounting professionals in our Charleston, SC office. The Accounting Manager oversees the Accounting Department, providing leadership and strategic management to a dedicated team of accounting professionals. This position also serves as the primary liaison between the CFO and the Accounting Department, ensuring clear communication and alignment of financial strategies.

What you'll do

This role is responsible for directing and completing daily accounting activities, ensuring timely financial reporting, optimizing processes through technology, and supporting the company's core values. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, possesses exceptional analytical skills, demonstrates strong technological acumen, and provides insightful financial reporting.

The Accounting Manager will be responsible for:

• Upholding and exemplifying strong ethical standards aligned with the company's core values.
• Fostering strong relationships with vendors, customers, and internal stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
• Managing and leading a small team of accounting professionals, fostering professional growth and departmental efficiency.
• Overseeing and ensuring accuracy in cash management, accounts payable, and accounts receivable functions.
• Directing preparation and analysis of monthly and annual financial statements and reports.
• Reviewing comprehensive account reconciliations, including bank, credit card, and general ledger.
• Identifying and implementing process improvements, leveraging technology, including AI tools, to automate routine accounting tasks.
• Developing and refining financial reporting tools and analytics to support strategic business decisions.
• Maintaining compliance with financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Managing staff schedules and coordinating agendas for monthly staff meetings.
• Assisting with review of compliance documents and disbursements.
• Ensuring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are maintained and updated for all key accounting functions.
• Assisting with data analysis and preparation of financial presentations.
• Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration required, CPA a plus.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting experience; engineering or laboratory industry experience preferred.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams in accounting departments.
• Proficient in financial reporting, analysis, and interpreting financial data.
• Demonstrated proficiency with advanced accounting software and technology platforms.
• Ability to operate effectively and decisively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAGE 300 ERP, Deltek Vantagepoint)
• Familiarity with expense management tools (e.g., SAP Concur)
• Document management software (e.g., Revver)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 tools, especially Excel and other analytical tools

What We Offer

• A commitment to safety and corporate values that promote respect, integrity, and innovation.
• Competitive compensation.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Life Insurance Plans, including Accidental and Critical Illness plans.
• Company-paid short and long-term disability insurance.
• 401k plan with employer matching.
• Paid Time Off and holidays.

Working Environment & Physical Demands

The physical demands outlined are representative of those that are required for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job in a professional office environment:

• Mobility to work in an office setting.
• Use of standard office equipment and stamina to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects.