Program Manager Strategic Initiatives Jobs in Athens, TX

Overview

The Senior Manager of Accounting is responsible for leading the company’s core accounting operations and ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting. This role oversees key general accounting functions, including the general ledger, balance sheet reconciliations, and compliance with US GAAP, while building scalable processes, strengthening internal controls, and developing a high-performing team. As a trusted accounting leader, this position partners cross-functionally with Finance, FP&A, Operations, IT, and external auditors to support efficient close processes, maintain audit readiness, and drive continuous improvement across accounting operations. Reporting to the Director of Accounting & Controls, this role plays a key leadership role in financial operations and process improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities    

• Support the “Cavender’s Culture” and drive our Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Lead and manage corporate accounting functions, including general ledger and period-end close activities.
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP across all assigned accounting areas and transactions.
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Maintain balance sheet integrity through strong reconciliation processes, variance analysis, and issue resolution.
• Establish, document, and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Lead internal and external audit support, including SOX controls, documentation, and remediation efforts.
• Partner cross-functionally with FP&A, Operations, IT, and other stakeholders to support accounting needs and business initiatives.
• Serve as a flexible, hands-on leader willing to step into any accounting function as needed, providing both strategic oversight and direct execution to ensure continuity, accuracy, and deadlines are met.
• Proactively assume ownership of additional responsibilities during peak close periods, organizational change, system transitions, or resource constraints, including acting as interim coverage where necessary.
• Lead, execute, and deliver complex special projects and ad hoc initiatives, such as process redesign, system implementations, new accounting standard adoption, integrations, or business-driven initiatives.
• Drive automation, system enhancements, and reporting improvements to improve efficiency, scalability, and accuracy.
• Identify inefficiencies and risks within existing processes and lead initiatives to improve accuracy, scalability, and timeliness.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA required.
• 7–9+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Proven experience building, standardizing, and scaling accounting processes in a growing organization.
• Strong understanding of US GAAP
• Experience managing and developing accounting teams.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP or similar) and advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to partner effectively with non-financial stakeholders.
• Hybrid out of our Addison, Tx office.

Preferred Skills

• Retail or multi-location industry experience preferred.
• Background in public accounting (Big 4 or regional firm experience a plus).
• Experience supporting SOX controls and audit readiness.
• Demonstrated success leading change, process transformation, and system implementations.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented leadership style with a strong continuous improvement mindset.

Cavender’s is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, military status, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other personal characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.

Cavender’s will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with a disability upon request. If you have a disability and need assistance completing the application, please call Customer Service at (888) 361 – 2555 or visit your nearest Cavender’s store.