Accounting Manager in Poughkeepsie, New York at Chestnut Petroleum

Accounting Manager

Location: Poughkeepsie, NY
Department: Finance
Reports To: Assistant Controller

Company Overview

Chestnut Group is a trusted convenience retail brand, preferred fuels marketer and exceptional place to work in the tri-state area. The family-owned company owns and operates gas stations and convenience stores under the Chestnut Market brand and is a preferred supplier for premium fuel flags including Shell, Exxon Mobil and BP among others.

The company has a growing portfolio of retail, wholesale and foodservice operations across the Northeast. Chestnut Group is focused on creating and delivering exceptional people-first convenience with care – every experience, every time. Come join our growing and passionate team!

Position Summary

The Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing core accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, timely month-end close processes, and strong internal controls across the organization. This role leads general ledger accounting activities, account reconciliations, financial review processes, and accounting team development while supporting operational efficiency and scalability within a growing multi-unit organization.

The Accounting Manager plays a key leadership role in the monthly Profit & Loss review process, financial reporting accuracy, and continuous process improvement initiatives, including automation and accounting systems enhancements.

This position partners closely with the Assistant Controller, Controller, Financial Analyst, Retail Accounting Manager, and operational leadership to support accurate financial data flow across retail, wholesale, and corporate accounting functions.

Our Values

• Safety – We protect the well‑being of our people, partners, and communities.
• Quality – We deliver unmatched experiences and service.
• Unity – We collaborate to achieve shared goals.
• Integrity – We do the right thing, always.
• Responsibility – We take ownership of our work and outcomes.
• Respect – We treat everyone with dignity.
• Empowerment – We give people the tools to succeed.
• Love – We bring passion to everything we do.

Our behaviors emphasize operating with excellence, creating welcoming environments, rewarding performance, communicating openly, staying accountable, and approaching challenges with a growth mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Core Accounting Oversight

• Oversee general ledger accounting activities including journal entries, accruals, account reconciliations, and financial adjustments
• Review balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules prepared by accounting staff
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes
• Maintain consistency in accounting policies, procedures, and financial documentation
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting standards

Financial Reporting & P&L Review

• Lead the monthly Profit & Loss review process prior to financial close and reporting
• Analyze P&L statements for accuracy, completeness, trends, and variances
• Identify unusual fluctuations and coordinate corrective actions with accounting leadership
• Partner with the Financial Analyst to align management reporting and financial analysis
• Assist in preparation of monthly financial packages and executive reporting materials

Team Leadership & Development

• Directly manage and mentor accounting team members
• Provide coaching, training, and performance feedback to staff accountants
• Assist with workload planning, prioritization, and deadline management
• Serve as a technical accounting resource and operational leader within the department
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and continuous improvement-focused team environment

Month-End Close & Audit Support

• Coordinate month-end close timelines and deliverables with accounting leadership
• Review supporting schedules and financial reporting workpapers
• Support internal and external audit requests and documentation preparation
• Assist with financial statement preparation and reporting accuracy

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with the Retail Accounting Manager to ensure accurate retail and wholesale data integration into the general ledger
• Collaborate with operational, billing, and bookkeeping teams to resolve accounting discrepancies and reporting issues
• Act as a liaison between transactional accounting teams and finance leadership

Internal Controls, Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain and strengthen internal accounting controls and compliance procedures
• Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies, automation, and workflow improvements
• Support ERP, accounting systems, and financial reporting enhancements
• Assist with implementation of new financial tools, integrations, and reporting capabilities
• Ensure accounting processes are scalable to support company growth

Special Projects & Automation Initiatives

• Lead special projects focused on accounting automation and process optimization
• Evaluate and improve inefficient or manual accounting workflows
• Partner with IT and finance leadership on systems improvements and reporting initiatives
• Document new procedures and train staff on updated processes
• Monitor and evaluate process improvements to ensure long-term effectiveness and scalability

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Prior supervisory or accounting leadership experience preferred
• Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, financial reporting, and month-end close processes
• Experience with P&L analysis, reconciliations, and variance analysis
• Knowledge of GAAP and internal controls
• Experience with accounting systems, ERP platforms, and Microsoft Excel
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Compensation & Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• Performance-based bonus or incentive eligibility
• Professional development and growth opportunities