Assistant Accounting Manager

Assistant Accounting Manager
Location: Torrance, CA (In-Office)
Pay: $95K-$115K / year

About Inaba Foods (USA) Inc.
Inaba Foods is a manufacturer of premium pet food, treats, toppers, and complements, deeply rooted in a family tradition of excellence that spans generations. Since 1958, pet parents have trusted Inaba to deliver products that are human-grade, nutrient-rich, and designed to bring joy to pets.

Today, Inaba is the most popular brand of premium cat and dog dinners and treats in Japan, with growing distribution throughout the United States and globally. Inaba Foods (USA) Inc. continues to expand its footprint, invest in talent, and build long-term partnerships across the pet industry, supported by the stability and vision of our Japanese parent company.

Position Summary
The Assistant Accounting Manager will support the day-to-day accounting operations of the company and play a key role in month-end closing, AP/AR oversight, cash management, general ledger review, balance sheet reconciliations, employee expenses, tax and compliance activities, audit support, team management, and ERP implementation. This role will work closely with internal departments, management, and external accounting partners to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting and effective accounting processes.

This is a full-time, in-office position based in Torance, CA, as required by company leadership.

Key Responsibilities:
AP/AR Oversight

• Review AP and AR activity for accuracy and proper accounting treatment.
• Prepare invoice backup and supporting documentation so AP can enter bills in QuickBooks Desktop.
• Prepare and review the Sumitomo report as part of the month-end close process and ensure invoices are posted to the correct accounts.
• Record customer deposits in QuickBooks after AR posts customer checks and payments.
• Prepare and post payments through U.S. Bank online banking, verify accuracy, and submit for approval.
• Process vendor payments through vendor portals when payment cannot be processed through the bank.
• Review vendor rebate entries and correct misclassified transactions identified during review.
• Prepare write-offs for uncollectible customer balances as needed.

Daily Cash Management

• Monitor bank balances and daily cash activity.
• Save and maintain daily banking activity reports.
• Review and resolve Positive Pay exceptions.

Employee Expenses and Payroll Support

• Review and approve employee expense reports in Fyle.
• Review and approve employee timecards in ADP.

Month-End Close and General Ledger

• Own and maintain the monthly close calendar in Asana, including creating, assigning, and tracking close-related tasks.
• Prepare and review journal entries related to month-end close, including accruals, prepaids, inventory estimates, and other adjusting entries as applicable.
• Maintain prepaid expense schedules and record monthly amortization entries.
• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations and investigate outstanding or unusual items.
• Review general ledger accounts for accuracy and identify and correct misclassified or unusual transactions.
• Calculate monthly sales commissions.
• Prepare inventory estimates and post inventory adjustment entries.
• Save monthly bank statements and record bank transfer fees.
• Ensure customer discounts and deductions are recorded in the correct accounting period.
• Review the Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss statements for completeness and accuracy.
• Submit the monthly closing package to the external CPA firm and respond to review questions.
• Prepare and distribute the monthly marketing expense report following close.

ERP Implementation and Process Improvement

• Support the ERP implementation and transition from QuickBooks Desktop to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
• Assist with chart of accounts review, expansion, and account mapping between QuickBooks Desktop and Dynamics 365.
• Support accounting data migration, including review and validation of opening balances and financial data.
• Participate in system testing and validate accounting transactions, reports, and account mappings.
• Review reporting requirements and assist with development and validation of financial and operational reports.
• Work with internal teams and implementation partners to identify and resolve accounting-related system issues.
• Help improve accounting workflows and processes as part of the ERP transition.

Tax and Compliance

• Monitor tax assessments, notices, and payment obligations throughout the close cycle.
• Process tax payments as needed and manage related tax portals.
• Coordinate with external accounting and tax professionals regarding tax and compliance matters.

Team Management

• Lead weekly accounting team meetings.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with team members.
• Review team members' work and provide guidance on account coding, accounting procedures, reconciliations, and other accounting matters.
• Collaborate with other departments, including Logistics, Sales, and Marketing, to resolve discrepancies and support cross-functional accounting needs.
• Provide guidance and support to team members to help ensure deadlines and accounting requirements are met.

Audit Support

• Support internal and external audit requests.
• Prepare and organize supporting documentation for auditors.
• Respond to audit questions and follow-up requests.
• Perform other additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Progressive accounting experience includes month-end closing, general ledger accounting, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Experience with accounts payable, accounts receivable, accruals, prepaids, inventory, cash management, and financial statement review.
• Experience supporting or supervising an accounting team.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, internal controls, and account reconciliations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with accounting systems; QuickBooks Desktop and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central experience are preferred.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.

Why Join Inaba Foods

• Growing U.S. business with expanding distribution and increasing market presence
• Long-term stability and leadership from a well-established Japanese parent company
• Opportunity to manage meaningful accounts and influence growth strategy
• Collaborative, professional environment with a strong brand reputation

Inaba Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment laws, including California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.