Accounting Manager - Process Improvement & Transformation

At Dexter, we manufacture and distribute axles, accessories, and towing components primarily serving the commercial trailer, RV, marine, agriculture, and manufactured housing markets. We’re building products and systems that are rooted in a culture of safety, collaboration, and innovation.

Headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, Dexter has manufacturing and distribution locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Employing state-of-the-art robotics, precision welding equipment, and automated machining processes, Dexter has achieved over 65 years of success through a commitment to the principles of superior quality, continuous improvement, and unparalleled customer service.

For more information about our company, access Dexter's web site at www.dextergroup.com.

Position Summary:

The Accounting Manager is responsible for leading key general accounting activities while driving continuous improvement across accounting processes, systems, and controls.

This role combines strong accounting knowledge with a process-improvement mindset. The Accounting Manager will evaluate existing workflows, identify inefficiencies and control gaps, develop standardized processes, and lead initiatives that improve the accuracy, efficiency, scalability, and effectiveness of the Accounting function.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working both strategically and hands-on—understanding the details of an accounting process, challenging how work is currently performed, and partnering with Accounting, Finance, Operations, IT, and other stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting Operations & Leadership

• Lead and support general accounting activities, including general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, journal entries, month-end close, and financial reporting.
• Ensure accounting activities are completed accurately, timely, and in accordance with company policies, internal controls, and applicable accounting standards.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development to accounting team members, with clear expectations and accountability for assigned areas.
• Partner with Accounting and Finance leadership to prioritize work and improvement initiatives based on business impact, risk, and available resources.

Process Improvement & Standardization

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across general accounting processes, including journal entries, account reconciliations, financial close, and related accounting activities.
• Analyze current processes and identify opportunities to eliminate unnecessary steps, reduce manual effort, improve controls, and shorten processing and close timelines.
• Standardize accounting processes, policies, procedures, and work instructions across teams with clear ownership and documented procedures.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by actively engaging team members in identifying and solving process issues.

Automation Systems & Data

• Identify general accounting activities where systems, workflow tools, or automation can reduce manual effort and improve reliability.
• Partner with IT and other stakeholders to implement ERP enhancements, integrations, reporting improvements, and other accounting-related system changes, including testing and rollout.
• Evaluate practical uses of AI and other emerging technologies that improve accounting productivity, analysis, or controls without automating a flawed process.

Change Management & Business Partnership

• Lead cross-functional projects from problem definition through implementation, stabilization, and measurement of results.
• Work with Accounting, Finance, Operations, IT, and other stakeholders to resolve process issues, clarify ownership, and improve handoffs.
• Communicate process changes clearly, provide training when needed, and help teams adopt new ways of working.

Education & Experience Desired:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including experience leading employees, teams, or significant projects.
• Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, financial close, account reconciliations, internal controls, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated experience improving accounting or finance processes from problem identification through implementation.
• Experience working with ERP systems and accounting-related technology.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to use data and identify root causes.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and follow initiatives through completion.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work across functions and influence stakeholders without direct authority.

Preferred Experience & Qualifications:

• CPA, CMA, or similar professional accounting designation.
• Experience in a shared-services or multi-location accounting environment.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 or similar ERP platforms.
• Experience with workflow automation, Power Platform, AI-enabled tools, or similar technology.
• Experience with process mapping, Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, project management, or finance transformation initiatives.

Key Competencies:

• Continuous Improvement: Questions inefficient processes, identifies root causes, and follows solutions through implementation.
• Accounting Judgment: Understands the accounting and control implications of process changes.
• Execution: Prioritizes work based on impact and risk, removes obstacles, and delivers measurable results.
• Systems Thinking: Understands how processes, systems, data, controls, and people interact.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Develops team members, creates accountability, and works effectively across functions.

We care for our people. Here are some of our great, comprehensive Benefits:

• Dexter offers a competitive wage
• Full benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HSA
• 3% profit sharing in our Safe Harbor program
• 401(k) Plan with company contributions
• Opportunities for internal career development and growth

Apply now to join an industry leader and make a difference in what we do for the customers we serve!

Dexter is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a highly qualified, dedicated workforce. We hire and promote individuals based on their qualifications, performance, and abilities.

It is the policy of the Company to provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, veteran status, citizenship status or any other protected characteristic as outlined by applicable U.S. and Canada equal rights legislation protected by federal, state, province or local law.