Assistant Controller / Controller

ROLE SUMMARY

The Assistant Controller / Controller is responsible for overseeing the organization's day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting support, compliance, and financial systems. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for ensuring accurate and timely financial information while maintaining effective accounting processes and controls. The person in this role will lead and develop an accounting team of approximately eight employees and work closely with operational and executive leadership to support the organization's financial and business objectives.

The ideal candidate is an experienced accounting professional with approximately 10-15 years of progressive experience who is ready to take ownership of a broad accounting function. The role offers the opportunity to expand leadership responsibilities, strengthen financial processes, and play a key role in the continued improvement of the organization's ERP and financial systems.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, inventory, fixed assets, and cash management.
• Manage an accurate and timely month-end and year-end close process.
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Prepare financial reporting packages and supporting analysis for executive leadership.
• Analyze financial results, investigate significant variances, and identify trends and areas requiring attention.
• Maintain the accuracy, integrity, and consistency of financial data across the organization.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting, and efficiency.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Coordinate the annual budgeting process and periodic forecasting activities.
• Work with department leaders to develop and consolidate budgets.
• Monitor actual results against budget and prepare variance analysis.
• Provide financial information and analysis to support business planning and decision-making.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Ensure accounting activities comply with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate external audits, tax filings, and other financial reporting requirements.
• Manage relationships with auditors, banking partners, tax professionals, and external advisors as appropriate.

Cash Flow & Treasury

• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and working capital.
• Oversee day-to-day banking activities and cash forecasting.
• Support debt administration and other treasury activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve cash management and working capital.

ERP & Financial Systems

• Serve as the accounting team's primary resource for the company's ERP, accounting, and financial reporting systems.
• Develop a strong understanding of how purchasing, inventory, production, sales, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and general ledger activities flow through the ERP.
• Identify opportunities to improve automation, reporting, accuracy, internal controls, and process efficiency.
• Partner with operations, IT, and external technology resources on system enhancements, integrations, upgrades, and process improvements.
• Participate in ERP and financial system projects, including requirements gathering, process mapping, testing, implementation, and data validation.
• Maintain appropriate controls over system access, master data, transaction processing, and system-generated reporting.
• Serve as a liaison between accounting, operations, and technology teams to help translate business needs into effective system solutions.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, manage, and develop an accounting team of approximately eight employees.
• Establish clear performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and support.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively and ensure appropriate coverage across the accounting function.
• Develop team capabilities and identify opportunities for process and workflow improvements.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Business Support

• Partner with executive and operational leadership to provide financial information and analysis.
• Support business planning and operational decision-making.
• Provide financial analysis related to capital expenditures, investments, and other business initiatives.
• Support process improvement and system implementation initiatives.
• Help leadership understand financial results and their operational implications.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 10-15 years of progressive accounting experience with increasing responsibility. 
• Experience managing or supervising an accounting team; experience leading a team of approximately 8 employees is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with month-end and year-end close processes.
• Experience preparing and reviewing financial statements.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Strong proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with an ERP system; experience improving financial systems or participating in ERP projects is a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively with both accounting and non-accounting teams.
• CPA designation required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications.

COMPETENCIES

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Demonstrates ownership and follows issues through to resolution.
• Effective people leadership and coaching skills.
• Collaborative and approachable working style.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Analytical and solutions-oriented.
• Comfortable working in a changing environment and adapting to new priorities.
• Willingness to learn, improve processes, and take on increasing responsibility.
• Able to balance hands-on accounting responsibilities with team leadership and broader business support.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

In the first year, the successful Controller will:

• Establish credibility and strong working relationships with the accounting team and business leadership.
• Maintain a reliable and timely month-end close and financial reporting process.
• Strengthen accounting controls, policies, and procedures.
• Develop a strong understanding of the organization's ERP and financial systems.
• Identify and implement meaningful improvements to accounting processes and reporting.
• Build a high-performing, accountable accounting team.
• Provide leadership with accurate, useful financial information to support business decisions.

Why Apply? Join a vibrant, fast-growing company where your contributions matter! As a valued team member, you'll enjoy a well-rounded benefits package and perks designed to support your well-being and career growth:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Paid time off opportunities
• Exclusive employee discounts
• Continuous learning and career advancement