Accounting Manager Onboarding Checklist

Accounting Manager Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Accounting Manager starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Finance onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Accounting Manager, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Accounting Manager onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Accounting Manager Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The accounting manager should be provided with a comprehensive overview of the company’s history, mission, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated company representative.

2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: The accounting manager should receive a detailed explanation of the company’s accounting policies, procedures, and guidelines. This includes understanding the chart of accounts, expense reporting, budgeting, and financial reporting requirements. The task is usually performed by the finance or accounting department.

3. Introduction to the accounting team: The accounting manager should be introduced to the members of the accounting team, including their roles and responsibilities. This helps establish relationships and promotes effective collaboration. The task is typically performed by the finance or accounting department.

4. Review of financial systems and software: The accounting manager should receive training on the company’s financial systems and software, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, accounting software, and reporting tools. This task is usually performed by the IT department or a designated trainer.

5. Understanding the company’s financial goals and objectives: The accounting manager should be provided with a clear understanding of the company’s financial goals and objectives. This includes reviewing financial statements, budgets, and forecasts. The task is typically performed by the finance or accounting department.

6. Review of internal controls and compliance requirements: The accounting manager should be familiarized with the company’s internal control procedures and compliance requirements, such as Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) regulations. This ensures adherence to financial reporting standards and mitigates risks. The task is typically performed by the finance or accounting department.

7. Training on company-specific accounting processes: The accounting manager should receive training on any unique accounting processes or procedures specific to the company. This may include revenue recognition, inventory valuation, or cost allocation methods. The task is typically performed by the finance or accounting department.

8. Introduction to key stakeholders: The accounting manager should be introduced to key stakeholders within the company, such as executives, department heads, and external auditors. This helps establish relationships and facilitates effective communication. The task is typically performed by the finance or accounting department.

9. Review of previous financial reports and audits: The accounting manager should review previous financial reports and audits to gain insights into the company’s financial performance and identify areas for improvement. This task is typically performed by the finance or accounting department.

10. Understanding the company’s budgeting process: The accounting manager should be familiarized with the company’s budgeting process, including timelines, responsibilities, and approval procedures. This ensures effective financial planning and resource allocation. The task is typically performed by the finance or accounting department.

11. Review of tax compliance requirements: The accounting manager should receive training on the company’s tax compliance requirements, including federal, state, and local tax regulations. This ensures accurate and timely tax filings. The task is typically performed by the finance or accounting department.

12. Introduction to external service providers: The accounting manager should be introduced to external service providers, such as auditors, tax consultants, and legal advisors, who play a crucial role in the company’s financial operations. This task is typically performed by the finance or accounting department.

13. Review of employee expense reimbursement policies: The accounting manager should review the company’s employee expense reimbursement policies to ensure compliance and proper documentation. This task is typically performed by the finance or accounting department.

14. Training on financial reporting requirements: The accounting manager should receive training on the company’s financial reporting requirements, including the preparation of financial statements, footnotes, and management reports. This task is typically performed by the finance or accounting department.

15. Introduction to the company’s software and tools: The accounting manager should be introduced to the various software and tools used by the company for financial analysis, reporting, and data management. This includes spreadsheet software, data visualization tools, and financial modeling software. The task is typically performed by the IT department or a designated trainer.

16. Review of company’s cash management processes: The accounting manager should review the company’s cash management processes, including cash flow forecasting, bank reconciliations, and treasury management. This ensures effective cash flow management and liquidity. The task is typically performed by the finance or accounting department.

17. Understanding the company’s financial performance metrics: The accounting manager should be familiarized with the company’s key financial performance metrics, such as profitability ratios, liquidity ratios, and efficiency ratios. This helps in monitoring and analyzing the company’s financial health. The task is typically performed by the finance or accounting department.

18. Introduction to ongoing professional development opportunities: The accounting manager should be informed about ongoing professional development opportunities, such as conferences, seminars, and certifications, to enhance their accounting knowledge and skills. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated training coordinator.

19. Review of the company’s code of ethics: The accounting manager should review the company’s code of ethics and understand the expectations regarding ethical behavior, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated compliance officer.

20. Establishing performance goals and expectations: The accounting manager should work with their supervisor or the finance department to establish performance goals and expectations for their role. This helps align individual objectives with the company’s overall financial objectives. The task is typically performed by the supervisor or the finance department

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Accounting Manager checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Accounting Manager up to speed and working well in your Finance team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.