Job Description:

Assistant Controller

Bellingham, WA | Temp-to-Hire / Contract

Position Overview

We are partnering with an established $35M seafood producer and cooperative in Bellingham seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to join its accounting team.

The immediate priority is to step into a critical hands-on accounting function covering cash management, bank reconciliations, accounts receivable, billing, collections and month-end support. The opportunity, however, is considerably broader.

The CFO is looking for someone capable of growing into a true Assistant Controller role, taking ownership of key accounting functions and helping strengthen processes, controls, reporting and day-to-day financial operations.

The position will initially be structured as a contract/temp-to-hire opportunity, with strong potential to become permanent for the right person.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform daily bank reconciliations and cash management across multiple accounts.
• Monitor banking activity, wires, ACH transactions, checks, deposits and transfers.
• Maintain daily cash-flow and cash-balance reporting.
• Prepare journal entries and resolve reconciliation discrepancies.
• Manage customer invoicing, cash application and payment processing.
• Review accounts receivable aging and assist with collections.
• Research customer and vendor account discrepancies.
• Review supporting documentation and accounting transactions for accuracy.
• Process employee expense reports and credit card activity.
• Support payroll-related banking and accounting activity.
• Perform balance sheet and other account reconciliations.
• Support inventory valuation reporting.
• Assist with month-end close and financial statement preparation.
• Maintain organized accounting records and supporting documentation.
• Assist with 1099s, year-end reporting and external audits.
• Document existing accounting procedures and identify opportunities to improve processes and controls.
• Partner directly with the CFO on additional accounting and financial projects.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of progressive accounting experience preferred.
• Strong general ledger, bank reconciliation and cash management experience.
• Experience with AR, billing and cash application.
• Month-end close and financial reporting experience.
• Strong Excel skills.
• ERP/accounting system experience; NorthScope experience is a plus but not required.
• Manufacturing, seafood, food production, distribution, agriculture or inventory-related experience is a plus.
• Accounting or finance degree preferred, but strong relevant experience will be considered.
• Ability to work independently and quickly learn an existing accounting environment.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to remain hands-on.

Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for a strong Senior Accountant ready for the next step or an existing Assistant Controller who wants broader responsibility and direct exposure to the CFO.

The company has an immediate need, so we're looking for someone who can get into the details quickly while also bringing the accounting depth to take on considerably more responsibility over time.

Target Compensation: Approximately $80K–$100K, depending on experience.

Start: ASAP
Location: Bellingham, WA
Structure: Contract / Temp-to-Hire with strong potential for permanent placement