Position Summary
Our client is seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller to lead the accounting function for a growing, financially stable, entrepreneurial organization. The Controller will oversee day-to-day accounting operations, lead a team of approximately five accounting professionals, manage the close and financial reporting processes, enhance accounting procedures and controls, and support a successful year-end audit.
This position requires strong experience with inventory accounting, as well as the ability to read and interpret customer, vendor, and other business contracts, understand their financial implications, and ensure appropriate accounting treatment and financial reporting.
The successful candidate will be an approachable, collaborative leader who works well with the accounting team, senior leadership, and operational partners. The role offers an opportunity to provide leadership and guidance while contributing to the continued development of the accounting function.
Key Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day accounting operations and ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
Manage, mentor, and develop a team of approximately five accounting professionals.
Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
Provide oversight of inventory accounting, including reconciliations, valuation, cut-off, costing, and related general ledger activity.
Ensure timely completion of balance sheet and other account reconciliations.
Lead preparation for the year-end audit and serve as the primary accounting liaison with external auditors.
Maintain and enhance accounting policies, procedures, documentation, and internal controls.
Review customer, vendor, and other business contracts to identify financial obligations and accounting implications.
Determine appropriate accounting treatment arising from contractual terms and ensure transactions are properly reflected in the financial statements.
Partner with operations and other business leaders to understand transactions and resolve accounting questions.
Identify and implement practical process improvements that enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and scalability of the accounting function.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred.
7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including Controller, Assistant Controller, or Accounting Manager-level responsibilities.
Strong technical accounting and GAAP knowledge.
Significant hands-on inventory accounting experience required.
Demonstrated ability to read and interpret business contracts and determine appropriate accounting treatment.
Strong financial reporting, month-end close, and account reconciliation experience.
Experience leading external audits and supporting year-end audit requirements.
Experience supervising and developing accounting professionals.
ERP experience required; NetSuite experience preferred.
Strong Excel, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to balance Controller-level oversight with detailed, hands-on execution.

Leadership Style & Preferred Attributes

Approachable, personable, and collaborative.
Able to build strong relationships across the organization.
Comfortable making decisions and providing clear direction.
Thoughtful and practical approach to change and process improvement.
Comfortable in an entrepreneurial environment where processes and controls continue to develop.
Practical and hands-on approach to the accounting function.
Experience in consumer, retail, distribution, inventory-intensive, or other transaction-heavy environments is highly desirable.