Managerial Accountant Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills, Duties & Sample Template

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If you’ve Googled “managerial accountant job description,” you’ve probably seen dozens of articles. But let’s be honest—most of them are just copy-pasted templates. They’re packed with buzzwords, written in corporate jargon, and offer little insight into what actually attracts great accounting talent.

The problem? A generic job description might help you fill a role—but it won’t help you find the right person for your team.

Here’s what most companies miss:
 Top candidates aren’t just looking for a paycheck. They’re looking for clarity, meaning, and alignment. They want to understand:

  • What kind of work they’ll actually be doing

  • What the company stands for

  • And how they’ll grow once they’re in the role

If your job post doesn’t answer those questions clearly and compellingly, you’ll miss out on the best talent.

Before we get into examples, if you haven’t already, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. It walks through everything you need to know—from structure to tone to candidate psychology.

We’ll show you how to write a managerial accountant job description that goes beyond task lists and buzzwords. One that reflects your culture, sets clear expectations, and helps serious candidates get excited about applying.

Let’s get into it.

Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.

If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.

What A Managerial Accountant Actually Does

A managerial accountant isn’t just someone who crunches numbers—they’re a strategic partner to your leadership team. Their job is to track financial performance, interpret data, and help you make smarter business decisions.

Think of them as the bridge between raw financial data and real-world business strategy. While traditional accountants often focus on past performance and compliance, managerial accountants focus on the future: forecasting, budgeting, identifying trends, and finding ways to improve profitability.

They work closely with internal departments—operations, HR, sales, leadership—to translate financial insights into action. A good managerial accountant won’t just tell you where your money went—they’ll help you figure out where it should go next.

That’s why skills like critical thinking, communication, and business awareness matter just as much as technical accounting knowledge in this role.

Two Great Managerial Accountant Job Description Templates

We’ll provide two tailored job description options:

1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced Line Cook with prior experience.

2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.

✅ Option 1 — Job Decsription For Experienced Managerial Accountant

📌 Job Title: Managerial Accountant — Safari Threads, East Africa’s Fast-Growing Lifestyle Retailer
 💼 Type: Full-Time | Hybrid (Nairobi / Remote)
 💰 Salary Range: KES 160,000 – 200,000 per month (DOE)
 🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | 9 am – 5 pm

🎥 Sneak-Peek: Meet your future CFO in this two-minute Loom → [Insert Loom Link]

About Safari Threads

Born at the Maasai Market in 2015, Safari Threads has grown from a single pop-up stall into a 22-store retail brand that celebrates East African style. Our 150-person team designs, sources, and sells sustainable apparel loved by more than 1 million customers a year. Profitability matters—but so does purpose: 5% of every sale funds rural textile co-ops that employ local artisans.

Your Role at a Glance

You’ll partner with our CFO and store-ops leaders to transform raw numbers into strategic decisions—shaping inventory buys, new-store rollouts, and region-by-region profit targets.

Key Responsibilities
  • Own monthly budgeting and rolling 12-month forecasts

  • Build SKU-level margin analyses and pricing recommendations

  • Track KPIs across 22 stores + e-commerce and spotlight under-performance

  • Lead quarterly cost-reduction deep dives with the COO

  • Present financial insights to execs in clear, jargon-free language

Must-Haves
  • 3+ years managerial or cost-accounting experience

  • Advanced Excel / Google Sheets modeling skills

  • Experience with Xero or NetSuite (or similar)

  • Confident storyteller—able to distill data for non-finance teams

  • Nice-to-Have: CMA or retail / FMCG background

Perks & Benefits
  • Private inpatient & outpatient cover for you + 1 dependent

  • Remote-work stipend (KES 5 000 / month)

  • 24 flex leave days per year

  • 50% staff discount on all Safari Threads products

  • Paid professional-development budget (KES 60 000 / year)

Why This Role Is a Great Fit

At Safari Threads, finance isn’t a back-office function—it’s the engine that powers expansion. You’ll have a direct line to the C-suite, autonomy to propose bold ideas, and a brand that actually acts on your insights. If you’re tired of crunching numbers no one reads, step into a seat where your work drives visible growth across East Africa.

📥 How to Apply

We hire on skill and potential, not just résumés. Complete our quick WorkScreen evaluation here → [Insert WorkScreen Link]. We respond to every applicant within 10 days.

✅ Option 2 — Job Description For Entry-Level / Coachable Managerial Accountant

📌 Job Title: Junior Managerial Accountant — SeaLink Logistics (Training Provided)
 💼 Type: Full-Time | On-Site (Mombasa)
 💰 Salary Range: KES 100,000 – 130,000 per month
 🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | 8 am – 4 : 30 pm

🎥 Sneak-Peek: Tour our port-side HQ with the Finance Director → [Insert Loom Link]

About SeaLink Logistics

Headquartered at Kilindini Harbour, SeaLink Logistics moves 4,000+ TEUs of cargo monthly for regional exporters. Since 2008, we’ve built a reputation for transparent pricing and no-excuses delivery. Our 300-person team relies on tight margins and real-time data to keep goods flowing from Mombasa to Kampala—and we’re committed to growing the next generation of finance talent from within.

Role Overview

You’ll learn how to turn container costs, fuel surcharges, and route data into insights that shave percentages off every shipment—directly boosting our bottom line.

Key Responsibilities
  • Reconcile daily freight-cost reports and flag anomalies

  • Assist with monthly budget reviews and variance analysis

  • Build simple cost-to-serve models for new routes

  • Partner with warehouse & fleet teams to gather accurate data

  • Support end-of-month close and management-report prep

Must-Haves
  • Bachelor’s in Accounting, Finance, or related field

  • Excel proficiency and eagerness to master data tools

  • Sharp eye for detail and proactive communication style

  • Nice-to-Have: Internship or project work in logistics / supply-chain

Perks & Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision cover from day 1

  • Interest-free laptop loan scheme

  • CPA study leave + exam fee reimbursement

  • On-site gym and subsidised lunch

  • 18 annual leave days + 6 “Port Pause” half-days during peak heat

Why This Role Is a Great Fit

You’ll get hands-on mentorship from senior accountants who’ve scaled finance systems for double-digit growth. Within 12 months you’ll own entire cost-centres and present directly to leadership. If you’re hungry to learn and want to see your ideas hit the water—literally—SeaLink is where you’ll build that foundation.

📥 How to Apply

Potential matters as much as experience. Show us what you can do via our WorkScreen evaluation → [Insert WorkScreen Link]. We’ll update you at every step—no black-hole recruiting here.

Don’t let bad hires slow you down.

WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free

Breakdown of Why These Managerial Accountant Job Posts Work

Now let’s unpack why these two job descriptions actually work—and how they differ from the generic, lifeless posts that most companies rely on.

✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Human

Instead of just saying “Managerial Accountant,” the job titles are tailored:

  • “Managerial Accountant — Safari Threads, East Africa’s Fast-Growing Lifestyle Retailer”

  • “Junior Managerial Accountant — SeaLink Logistics (Training Provided)”

These titles tell you what the job is, where it’s based, who it’s for, and what makes it special. That instantly increases relevance and helps your post stand out in a sea of search results.

✅ 2. The Introductions Give Real Context

Both posts start with a short, engaging “About Us” section that tells a real story:

  • Safari Threads has a fashion-driven mission tied to local artisans.

  • SeaLink Logistics operates from Kilindini Harbour and emphasizes data-driven operations.

These aren’t fluff bios—they give candidates a reason to care about the company, which is essential if you want to attract values-aligned hires.

✅ 3. Key Responsibilities Are Framed Around Impact

These job posts don’t just say “prepare budgets” or “analyze costs”—they explain what those tasks actually achieve:

  • “Shape inventory buys and regional profit targets”

  • “Turn route data into insights that shave percentages off every shipment”

This tells the candidate: Your work matters.

✅ 4. They Include a Loom Video for a Personal Touch

Adding a short video from the CFO or hiring manager shows candidates that your team is real, approachable, and organized. It builds trust and helps applicants visualize who they’d be working with—something most job posts completely miss.

✅ 5. Perks and Benefits Are Clear and Concrete

Both descriptions list real-world benefits like:

  • Medical cover

  • Professional development budgets

  • CPA study leave

  • Flex days off

  • Laptop loan programs

These aren’t vague “we offer great benefits” statements. They’re concrete, tangible, and designed to help candidates evaluate fit quickly—while building trust through transparency.

✅ 6. The “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Section Sells the Opportunity

This section isn’t just a motivational close—it’s your pitch.

It speaks directly to the candidate’s ambition, showing them how this role will support their growth, give them impact, and connect them to something bigger than a job description.

Examples:

  • “You won’t be stuck reporting the past. You’ll shape the future.”

  • “Within 12 months, you’ll own entire cost centres and present directly to leadership.”

These lines inspire. And that’s the difference between filling a seat—and attracting someone who shows up ready to lead.

✅ 7. The Hiring Process Is Respectful and Modern

Instead of saying “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted,” both posts:

  • Set clear timelines

  • Explain the screening process (WorkScreen)

  • Emphasize fairness and clarity for every applicant

This makes your process feel organized, respectful, and modern—three things top candidates deeply care about.

Example of a Bad Managerial Accountant Job Description (And Why It Fails)

❌ Bad Job Post Example: Managerial Accountant

📌 Job Title: Managerial Accountant
 📍 Location: Nairobi
 💼 Job Type: Full-Time

Job Summary:
 We are looking for an experienced managerial accountant to oversee budget tracking, reporting, and internal financial processes. The ideal candidate will be responsible for preparing financial statements, performing variance analysis, and ensuring operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop monthly financial reports

  • Track departmental budgets

  • Conduct variance and performance analysis

  • Support strategic planning processes

  • Ensure compliance with company policies

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field

  • 3–5 years experience in managerial accounting

  • Proficient in Excel and accounting software

  • CPA or equivalent preferred

How to Apply:
 Interested candidates should send their résumé and cover letter to hr@accountingfirm.co.ke. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

❌ Why This Job Post Fails

1. The Job Title Is Generic and Uninspired

“Managerial Accountant” is technically accurate—but it doesn’t stand out or give candidates any context about the company, team, or why the job matters.

2. No Company Story or Mission

There’s no mention of what the company does, who they serve, or why the role exists. Candidates are left guessing whether this is a startup, a nonprofit, or a corporate firm. That creates disconnection—and disinterest.

3. The Introduction Is Cold and Impersonal

“Looking for an experienced managerial accountant…” is boilerplate text. There’s no personality, no voice, no attempt to connect with the reader or explain why they should care.

4. Responsibilities Are Vague and Boring

Tasks like “track budgets” or “support strategic planning” could mean anything. There’s no real sense of impact, collaboration, or ownership—just a to-do list.

5. No Transparency Around Compensation or Perks

There’s no salary range, no benefits, and no incentive for serious candidates to move forward. In today’s market, a lack of transparency can be a red flag—and may cost you your best applicants.

6. Hiring Process Feels Dismissive

“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels outdated and impersonal. It tells candidates: We won’t respect your time unless we like your résumé. That’s not the message you want to send.

7. No Culture, No Personality, No Connection

There’s zero mention of the team, values, leadership, or what it’s actually like to work there. It reads like it was written by software—and top candidates can feel that.

🚫 Bottom Line:

This job post checks boxes—but it doesn’t sell the opportunity, showcase the company, or connect with the kind of person you actually want to hire. In a competitive talent market, this kind of post quietly tells high-performers: Keep scrolling.

Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out

Once your job description has the right structure, there are a few high-impact upgrades you can add to make it even more effective. These small additions can build trust, set your post apart, and show candidates you’re intentional about the experience from day one.

✅ Tip 1: Add a Security & Privacy Notice

In today’s hiring environment, job scams are real—and candidates are cautious. By adding a short “IMPORTANT NOTICE” to your post, you immediately build trust.

Example:

🔒 IMPORTANT NOTICE: We take the security and privacy of all job applicants very seriously. We will never ask for payment, banking details, or personal financial information during any part of our hiring process.

This simple message helps legitimize your company and reassures applicants that they’re in safe hands.

✅ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Flex Time

Most job descriptions focus on work—but great candidates also care about rest. Mentioning paid leave, flex days, or work-life balance makes your company feel more human.

Example:

🌴 Enjoy up to 24 paid flex days per year—so you can recharge and come back stronger. We believe great work starts with well-rested people.

Even a small perk like this can shift a candidate’s perception of your workplace.

✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities

Ambitious candidates want to grow. If you offer mentorship, promotions, or even just structured onboarding—say so.

Example:

📚 We invest in growth. You’ll get access to internal training, mentorship from senior leaders, and clear growth paths to expand your role over time.

This kind of statement signals that you’re not just hiring for today—you’re building long-term partnerships.

✅ Tip 4: Add a Loom Video from the Hiring Manager

A simple 1–2 minute video can bring warmth and personality to your post. It lets candidates hear directly from their future boss, understand the team vibe, and feel welcomed before they even apply.

Example CTA:

🎥 Meet Your Manager: Watch this short intro from our CFO explaining what success looks like in this role → [Insert Loom link]

You don’t need a full production—just authenticity. A webcam and honesty go a long way.

Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4

✅ Tip 5: Mention How You Treat Candidates

This is rarely done—but it matters. Most job seekers are used to being ghosted or ignored. Set yourself apart by briefly outlining how your hiring process respects their time.

Example:

🤝 We review every application personally, and we respond to every single applicant within 10 days. Whether you’re selected or not, you’ll hear from us. Because we believe every candidate deserves clarity and respect.

This one line alone can change how applicants feel about your company.

Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?

Lately, it feels like every hiring platform is offering “one-click” AI job descriptions. Tools like Manatal, Workable, and even ChatGPT can generate a full job post in seconds.

So… should you use them?

The short answer: Yes—but only if you do it the right way.

❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone

Using AI without context might save time, but it can seriously hurt the quality of your job post. Here’s what usually goes wrong:

  • It sounds robotic and generic — Candidates can tell it was auto-generated.

  • It attracts the wrong people — Boring, keyword-stuffed posts appeal to skimmers, not high-performers.

  • It damages your employer brand — Your job post is your first impression. A lazy one sends the wrong signal.

In short, if you feed AI nothing, it gives you… nothing worth posting.

✅ The Right Way to Use AI (With Examples)

AI can be powerful—but only if you feed it real information about your company, your values, and the type of person you’re actually looking for.

Here’s how to do it right:

Step 1: Provide Context
 Before you prompt AI, write down key details:

  • What your company does

  • What this role is responsible for

  • Who the ideal candidate is

  • What the company culture feels like

  • What you’re offering in terms of benefits and growth

  • How your hiring process works

Step 2: Give AI a Proper Prompt

Here’s a great example of a prompt that gets quality results:

“Help me write a job post for our company, Safari Threads, based in Nairobi. We’re hiring a Managerial Accountant to support our CFO with budgeting, forecasting, and strategy across 22 retail locations. Our culture is fast-moving, values clarity and ownership, and we want to attract candidates who are curious, analytical, and mission-driven. We offer private medical cover, flexible leave, and professional development support. Please use a friendly but professional tone. Here are some raw notes I’ve written to get started: [Insert notes here].”

Step 3: Edit, Add Personality, and Make It Yours

Once AI generates a draft, your job isn’t done. Polish the structure. Inject your brand voice. Add a Loom video. Personalize the call to action. These human touches are what turn a passable draft into a compelling job post.

💡 Remember:

AI is a tool—not a shortcut.
 Use it to support your thinking, not replace it.

A job post that reflects your company’s culture, mission, and values will always outperform one that just checks boxes.

Smart Hiring Starts Here

WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results

Copy-Paste Job Description Templates (Use These as a Starting Point)

We know that sometimes, you just need something solid—fast.

Maybe you’ve read the guide and understand what makes a great job post. But you also want a professional, ready-to-use template you can copy, paste, and customize in just a few minutes.

That’s what this is.

✏️ Important Reminder:
 Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
 This is a foundation, not a final draft.
 Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual kitchen.

In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.

Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.

  • Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
  • Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.

 

✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Template

📌 Job Title: Managerial Accountant — [Insert Company Name]
 💼 Type: Full-Time | [Hybrid / Remote / On-site]
 💰 Salary Range: [Insert Salary]
 🕒 Schedule: [Insert Work Hours]

🎥 Meet the Hiring Manager: [Insert Loom Link]

Who We Are
 At [Company Name], we believe that great financial insights drive better business decisions. We’re a [brief company type or mission] with a team that values clear thinking, ownership, and results. Now, we’re looking for a Managerial Accountant who can help us translate numbers into strategy—and join us as a partner in growth.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Create and maintain budgets and forecasts

  • Analyze financial performance and present key insights

  • Collaborate with operations, sales, and leadership to support planning

  • Identify cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies

  • Lead internal reporting and help shape business decisions

What We’re Looking For

  • 3+ years experience in managerial or cost accounting

  • Strong Excel and financial modeling skills

  • Ability to explain financials to non-finance teams

  • Proactive, detail-oriented, and thoughtful communicator

  • [Optional: CPA / CMA preferred]

Perks & Benefits

  • [List medical cover, leave days, stipends, training, discounts, etc.]

Why This Role Matters
 You won’t be stuck reporting the past. You’ll help shape the company’s next moves. This is a role for someone who wants ownership, visibility, and a seat at the decision-making table.

📥 How to Apply
 We use WorkScreen to fairly and efficiently evaluate applicants. It takes just a few minutes and helps us focus on skill—not just résumés.
 👉 [Insert WorkScreen Application Link]

✅ Option 2: Traditional “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format

📌 Job Title: Managerial Accountant at [company name]
 📍 Location: [City / Remote]
 💼 Type: Full-Time
 💰 Compensation: [Insert Range]

🎥 Meet the Hiring Manager: [Insert Loom Link]

Job Summary:
 We are hiring a Managerial Accountant to support financial planning, budgeting, and internal reporting processes. The ideal candidate will work closely with leadership to analyze performance, improve efficiency, and guide decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Build and manage operating budgets and forecasts

  • Prepare and present monthly financial reports

  • Track KPIs and analyze performance across departments

  • Collaborate cross-functionally on financial planning

  • Monitor cost centers and identify areas for improvement

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

  • 3–5 years of managerial accounting experience

  • Proficient in Excel and accounting software

  • Strong analytical and communication skills

  • CPA / CMA preferred

Benefits:

  • [List medical cover, PTO, professional development, etc.]

How to Apply:
 Submit your application through our WorkScreen link:
 👉 [Insert Link]
 We respond to every applicant. Expect to hear back within 7–10 days.

Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step

Once your job post is written and live, the real challenge begins: sorting through a flood of applications—many of them generic, AI-written, or completely unqualified.

That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.

🚀 Why Use WorkScreen?

✅ Quickly identify your most promising candidates

WorkScreen automatically evaluates applicants, scores them based on actual performance, and ranks them on a live leaderboard—so you can instantly see who stands out, and who’s just copy-pasting.

✅ Administer skill tests with one click

Instead of relying on résumés (which say what someone has done), WorkScreen helps you assess what they can actually do. From analytical thinking to attention to detail, you get a clearer picture of each candidate’s real ability.

✅ Eliminate low-effort applicants—fast

WorkScreen filters out candidates who use AI to apply blindly or copy-paste generic answers. That means your time and attention goes only to the people who care enough to show up and do the work.

🎯 The Outcome?

  • Fewer hiring mistakes
  • Better interviews
  • A faster, more fair process for everyone involved

👉 Start hiring smarter with WorkScreen.io today.

If you’re tired of sifting through résumés and second-guessing every applicant, try WorkScreen. It’s the simplest way to go from “I think this person looks good” to “I know this is the right hire.”

Managerial Accountant Job Description - Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to strong accounting fundamentals, a great managerial accountant should have:

  • Analytical thinking: They must interpret complex data and turn it into actionable insights.
  • Business acumen: Managerial accounting is forward-looking—it requires an understanding of how finances influence strategy and operations.
  • Communication skills: They should be able to explain financial insights clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
  • Tech proficiency: Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, or NetSuite are important.
  • Proactivity: Great managerial accountants don’t just report problems—they spot trends early and suggest solutions.

Soft skills like ownership, curiosity, and attention to detail also go a long way.

Salaries vary by region, company size, and experience level. However, here are some general benchmarks:

  • Kenya (mid-level): KES 120,000 – 180,000 per month
  • Kenya (senior/CPA certified): KES 180,000 – 250,000+ per month
  • S. Average: $70,000 – $95,000 per year
  • K. Average: £40,000 – £60,000 per year

Keep in mind that offering transparency in your salary range—even if it’s just an estimate—can increase candidate trust and improve application quality.

The key difference is focus.

  • Financial accountants look backward. They handle compliance, financial reporting, and external audits.
  • Managerial accountants look forward. They focus on forecasting, budgeting, internal reporting, and helping the business make strategic decisions.

If you’re hiring to optimize how your business operates, you’re probably looking for a managerial accountant—not someone who just balances the books.

Here’s a simple distinction:

  • A bookkeeper keeps records organized—they input and reconcile transactions.
  • A managerial accountant uses that data to drive insights—they interpret, forecast, and advise leadership.

If your business has grown past the “just stay compliant” phase and you want to make smarter decisions with your money, a managerial accountant is the next logical step.

Make Your Next Great Hire With WorkScreen

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Author’s Details

Mike K.

Mike is an expert in hiring with a passion for building high-performing teams that deliver results. He specializes in streamlining recruitment processes, making it easy for businesses to identify and secure top talent. Dedicated to innovation and efficiency, Mike leverages his expertise to empower organizations to hire with confidence and drive sustainable growth.

Hire Easy. Hire Right. Hire Fast.

Stop wasting time on unqualified candidates. WorkScreen.io streamlines your hiring process, helping you identify top talent quickly and confidently. With automated evaluations , applicant rankings and 1-click skill tests, you’ll save time, avoid bad hires, and build a team that delivers results.

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