Accounting Manager - CPG Client Lead

Graphite Financial is a growing boutique finance, accounting, tax, and strategy firm (www.graphitefinancial.com) built to help startup and high-growth companies scale efficiently and sustainably. Graphite Financial is redefining the “finance department” for early-stage companies and VC-backed startups. We deliver high-caliber accounting and finance leadership and support to entrepreneurs and management teams building scalable, high-growth companies. Our clients are actively managing cash burn, measuring performance, reporting to investors, making capital allocation decisions, and preparing for fundraising. All of that takes expertise and time that founders don’t have and can’t afford to hire for. Graphite bridges the gap with flexible, fixed-fee support packages that provide fractional leadership and operational support from CFOs, Controllers, FP&A Managers, and Tax leaders.

ROLE PURPOSE

Own the client relationship and full accounting delivery for an assigned portfolio of consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies — from early-stage emerging brands to scaling, VC-backed operations. The Accounting Manager - CPG Client Lead is the primary point of accountability for quality, timeliness, client satisfaction, and team execution across every engagement they manage.

CPG companies present a distinct and demanding set of accounting challenges: complex cost structures, multi-channel revenue streams, trade spend management, inventory valuation, and margin pressure that requires precision at every level of the P&L. Founders and management teams in this space are moving fast, often undercapitalized, and counting on Graphite to give them a clear financial picture so they can make the right calls. This role requires someone who has operated in that environment.

WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED HERE

This is a fully remote, client-facing role. You are the face of Graphite to your CPG clients. Your accounting expertise, industry fluency, and professional presence determine whether clients trust you — and whether they stay. The following qualities are what separate a good Client Lead from a great one in this industry.

•      CPG Industry Fluency: You speak the language of CPG. Trade promotions, slotting fees, deductions management, landed cost, shrinkage, distributor margin — these are part of your daily vocabulary. Clients should feel immediately that you understand their business, not just their books.

•      Client Relationship Ownership: You are not just delivering accounting work — you are managing a relationship with a founder or management team that is betting on Graphite. Every interaction reflects your professionalism, judgment, and commitment to their success.

•      Proactive Communication: CPG clients face cash crunches, seasonal swings, and retailer demands that move fast. You do not wait for them to ask. You surface issues, flag trends, and manage expectations before problems become surprises.

•      Executive Presence: Your deliverables, emails, and meeting conduct are indistinguishable from what a seasoned in-house Controller at a CPG brand would produce. Investors and board members will read your work.

•      Responsiveness: In a remote model, your availability and responsiveness are primary signals of service quality. CPG clients move fast and their questions are often urgent.

•      Judgment Under Ambiguity: Early-stage CPG companies operate with incomplete data, informal processes, and constant change. You make sound accounting decisions in that environment, apply the right guidance, and know when to escalate.

•      Accountability: You own your portfolio — client outcomes, deliverable quality, team execution, and relationships.