• Accounting and Finance Manager
• Air Quality Engineering, Inc.
• Northwestern Suburbs of Minneapolis–Saint Paul, MN
• About Us
• Air Quality Engineering Inc. is an innovative manufacturer of environmental air cleaning equipment located in the northwestern suburbs of the Twin Cities. For over 50 years, we have provided practical, high-quality solutions while delivering honest answers to our customers.
• We are proud to be a 100% employee-owned company (ESOP). Our employee-owners are committed to designing, manufacturing, and marketing cost-effective, high-quality equipment—and we believe that delivering on our promises is one of our most effective sales tools.
• Position Summary
• The Accounting and Finance Manager serves as a key financial leader, functioning both strategically and tactically to maximize return on assets. This individual will establish and maintain financial policies, procedures, controls, metrics, and reporting while providing critical analysis to support business decision-making.
• This role is ideal for a hands-on leader looking to contribute meaningfully within a collaborative, employee-owned manufacturing company.
• Key Responsibilities
• Finance & Accounting Leadership
• Manage and ensure the integrity of all accounting systems, including:
• General Ledger
• Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable
• Payroll (ADP)
• Commission systems
• Credit and collections
• Control environment to safeguard assets and ensure reliable financial reporting
• Oversee staff responsible for credit and collections activitiesFinancial Management & Analysis
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic and operational decisions
• Develop tools, metrics, and systems to deliver actionable financial and operational information to leadership and the Board of Directors
• Identify trends and evaluate profitability, cost management, and cash flow performance
• Prepare annual budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial projections
• Analyze results versus budget and forecast, including variance explanations
• Support pricing strategy through cost accounting and financial analysis

Cash, Banking, and Capital Management

• Manage cash flow and cash management strategies to maximize returns and minimize risk
• Oversee banking relationships and reporting
• Manage capital budgeting and expenditure processes, including:
• Reviewing capital requests for completeness and ROI
• Tracking capital spend vs. budget
• Explaining variances and outcomes

Inventory & Manufacturing Support

• Oversee and review inventory processes, including year-end valuation accuracy
• Support operations with financial data and analysis to drive efficiency and informed decision-making

Tax & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local tax requirements, including:
• Payroll taxes
• Sales and use tax
• Multi-state filings
• Manage audits, including:
• Sales tax
• Workers' compensation
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations including OSHA, Minnesota Unemployment Insurance, PCI, and HIPAA (as applicable)

ESOP Leadership

• Serve as an ESOP champion, promoting employee ownership culture
• Ensure ESOP compliance with ERISA and related regulations
• Support accurate ESOP reporting and communication

External Relationships

• Partner with external CPA firm for:
• Annual financial review/audit
• Tax return preparation
• Tax planning
• Manage reporting and relationships with banks, insurers, and government entities
• Facilitate relationship with IT service/support vendor

Financial Reporting

• Oversee preparation and accuracy of financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes
• Prepare and present quarterly financial reports to the Board of Directors
• Develop and produce special reports and analyses as needed

Additional Responsibilities

• Support compensation-related calculations, including bonus plans and break-even analysis
• Continuously evaluate opportunities to improve financial reporting and decision support tools
• Perform additional finance and accounting duties as needed
• Lead safety committee
• Lead employee engagement committee
• Manage HR administration
• Other duties as assigned

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, or finance.
• 7–10+ years of progressive finance/accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing
• Strong cost accounting and inventory experience
• Experience with ESOPs or employee-owned companies is a plus
• Proven leadership and team management skills
• High integrity, strong analytical mindset, and hands-on approach

Why Join Us?

• 100% Employee-Owned (ESOP)
• Stable, values-driven company with a 50+ year history
• Meaningful leadership role with strategic impact
• Collaborative and accountable culture

Pay: $120,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Accounting: 7 years (Required)

Location:

• Minneapolis, MN 55428 (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Minneapolis, MN 55428 (Required)

Work Location: In person