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Do you have a general idea about what accounting managers do but aren’t quite sure what the role encompasses? Accounting is a cornerstone of any business (or of any organization that requires financial transactions), which means this role can be pivotal at many companies. Let’s dive deeper into what this position entails!

Accounting managers are the linchpins of many accounting operations. They supervise, manage and sometimes mentor a staff of accounting professionals. They typically head up an accounting department or a team of varied accountants and auditors who are in the earlier stages of their careers. They may also be the go-to link between an organization’s daily financial activities and its other departments.

With an accounting degree and a few years of relevant experience, a seasoned accountant can aspire to reach this middle-management leadership role, which relies on accuracy and cross-functionality. An accounting manager position can be found in several sectors, including corporate environments, nonprofits, government agencies, tax firms and forensic companies that investigate financial misconduct.

The Institute of Management Accountants emphasizes how accounting managers “know everything that comes in and goes out in a company, right down to the last penny. They provide guidance to the C-suite on an organization’s financial operations.” For these and other reasons, they are the company experts in accounting matters, relaying info and insight to other department heads.

It’s important to differentiate this position from those of entry-level accountants or experienced staff accountants. This managerial role focuses on overseeing an accounting department (and monitoring compliance) rather than performing day-to-day accounting tasks.

In this position, your direct reports will handle the books, but you may be responsible for training junior team members on certain processes, procedures and standards of operation — or you may need to implement an apprenticeship program within your department.

If you encounter the term “management accountants” or “managerial accountants,” note that there’s a difference there as well. Individuals in those roles aren’t exactly managers. Their work is concentrated on internal financial issues, and they provide salient financial information to help their organizations with decision-making.

It’s also important to not confuse this role with that of financial managers, who focus on an organization’s long-term financial goals, which encompass financial strategy, asset investments and monthly forecasts.

To become an accounting manager, you typically need to pursue a college degree. Some wish to pursue a general business degree. However, others may opt for an accounting-specific major if their school offers it.

Those who choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting may take such courses as:

• Principles of accounting
• Business data analytics
• QuickBooks training
• Cost accounting
• Managerial accounting
• Corporate taxation
• Contemporary auditing

There are essential tools you can use to aid in your accounting education, too, like apps and sources for research. It’s also helpful to develop effective study habits to give yourself the best chance to progress in your studies, as some of these classes may be intensive and demanding.

Do you consider yourself a math wiz? Do you love crunching numbers and deciphering patterns in financial data? Or perhaps concepts like swirl in your mind during your daily commute. This career, then — and the potential for you to pursue a managerial role — could be a path for you to work toward.

Additionally, the following skills can help in an accounting role:

• Critical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Organizational prowess
• Oral and written communication
• Math

Experience in the field should give you on-hands knowledge that may help you pursue moving up in this field. Networking may also be helpful. Do your best to immerse yourself in the world of accounting. Find a mentor, ask questions and attempt to learn the various facets of accounting.

You can also look into attending accounting conferences and consider joining associations that offer the chance to both expand your skills and enhance your network.

The journey toward running an accounting department can vary. As pointed out by the (BLS), some accounting managers begin their careers as cost accountants, junior internal auditors or trainees for other accounting positions. The goal is to start with the right educational foundation and build your skills as you go along.