Assistant Retail Controller

Assistant Controller

Position Summary

The Assistant Controller is a key member of the Accounting leadership team responsible for supporting the Controller in the daily management of the accounting department while driving operational excellence across the organization. This position combines traditional accounting responsibilities with leadership, systems administration, financial reporting, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.

The Assistant Controller oversees the Retail Accounting team, ensures the timely and accurate completion of accounting activities, assists with financial reporting and month-end close, develops accounting policies and procedures, and partners with departments across the organization to improve financial processes and reporting.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who enjoys building efficient processes, leveraging technology, mentoring staff, and identifying opportunities to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and scalability of the accounting function.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Accounting Operations

• Assist in managing the daily operations of the Accounting Department.
• Ensure accounting transactions are recorded accurately and timely.
• Prepare and review journal entries.
• Prepare monthly balance sheet reconciliations and investigate reconciling items.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Review financial information for completeness and accuracy.
• Maintain supporting schedules for general ledger accounts.
• Assist with fixed asset accounting, prepaid expenses, accruals, and other balance sheet accounts.

Retail Accounting Leadership

• Supervise, coach, and develop the Retail Accounting Associates.
• Assign workloads and establish priorities.
• Review completed work for accuracy and completeness.
• Train new employees and provide ongoing professional development.
• Monitor department productivity and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Assist in preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Prepare executive management reporting packages.
• Assist with budgeting and forecasting activities.
• Analyze financial results and explain significant variances.
• Develop operational and financial KPI reporting.
• Assist departments with financial analysis and reporting needs.

Accounts Receivable

• Oversee and Prepare customer invoices and billings.
• Maintain customer account records.
• Monitor outstanding receivables.
• Assist with collection activities.
• Resolve billing discrepancies.
• Reconcile customer balances.

Accounts Payable

• Review vendor invoices for proper coding and approvals.
• Assist with vendor statement reconciliations.
• Resolve vendor payment issues.
• Maintain vendor master records.

Systems Administration & Technology

• Maintain accounting software and financial systems.
• Assist with ERP implementation and ongoing system enhancements.
• Support integrations between accounting and operational systems.
• Participate in software testing and implementation projects.
• Maintain accounting master data including chart of accounts, cost centers, locations, vendors, and customers.
• Work with software vendors to troubleshoot issues and implement improvements.
• Help evaluate new technologies that improve accounting efficiency.
• Assist with report development and financial data validation.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to automate manual accounting processes.
• Develop more efficient workflows and internal procedures.
• Create and maintain accounting policies and procedure documentation.
• Recommend improvements to internal controls.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional improvement projects.
• Assist in developing scalable accounting processes to support company growth.
• Promote best practices throughout the accounting department.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company accounting policies.
• Assist in maintaining strong internal controls.
• Support audit requests and compliance initiatives.
• Monitor adherence to established accounting procedures.
• Recommend improvements to strengthen financial controls.
• Assist with documentation of accounting policies and procedures.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Human Resources, Inventory, Purchasing, Fuel Operations, and other departments to support business objectives.
• Provide financial guidance to department managers.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings and special projects.
• Assist leadership with strategic initiatives and operational improvements.
• Serve as a resource for accounting-related questions throughout the organization.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in acquisitions, new location openings, and business integration activities.
• Assist with special accounting projects as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Controller or Director.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or equivalent degree required.

Experience

• Five or more years of progressive accounting experience.
• Three or more years of supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
• Experience with month-end close and financial statement preparation.
• Experience preparing journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Experience in retail, convenience store, petroleum, distribution, or multi-location accounting is preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems and accounting software implementations is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Financial statement preparation
• Budgeting and forecasting
• General ledger accounting
• Accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Financial reporting
• ERP systems
• Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred:

• SQL or database experience
• Power BI or business intelligence tools
• Process automation experience
• Data analytics
• Workflow improvement
• Experience with system integrations

Leadership Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and coaching abilities
• Excellent organizational skills
• Exceptional attention to detail
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines
• Self-motivation and initiative
• Process improvement mindset
• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative approach to working across departments

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel occasionally to retail locations if needed.

Jump Start Stores is a faith-based organization committed to serving our customers and communities with integrity, respect, and excellence. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we consider all qualified applicants for employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.