Controller / Accounts Payable (Spirits/Liquor Industry)

Role: Controller / Accounts Payable (Spirits/Liquor Industry) Location: Syracuse, NY Role Type: Full time Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Controller – Accounts Payable with a strong background in the spirits/liquor industry to oversee and manage all accounts payable functions while supporting overall financial operations. The ideal candidate will have direct experience working with alcohol distributors, suppliers, excise taxes, freight, and regulatory compliance unique to the beverage alcohol industry. This role requires strong leadership, analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage high-volume transactions in a fast-paced environment. Key Responsibilities Accounts Payable Management Oversee full-cycle accounts payable process including invoice review, coding, approvals, and payment processing. Manage high-volume vendor payments, including domestic and international suppliers. Ensure timely payment of suppliers, freight providers, bonded warehouses, and distributors. Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies promptly. Maintain accurate AP aging reports and cash flow projections. Industry-Specific Financial Oversight Process and reconcile alcohol excise taxes (federal and state). Ensure compliance with TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) and state liquor authority regulations. Manage inventory-related payables including landed costs, freight, duties, and import fees. Coordinate with operations and warehouse teams to reconcile inventory receipts with invoices. Support month-end close including inventory valuation and COGS reconciliation. Financial Controls & Compliance Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets. Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies. Assist with audits (internal, external, and regulatory). Monitor and improve AP workflows and approval processes. Maintain vendor W-9s and prepare 1099 filings. Leadership & Reporting Supervise and mentor AP staff (if applicable). Collaborate with Purchasing, Operations, and Sales teams. Provide reporting on vendor spend, cash requirements, and cost trends. Assist CFO/Finance Director with budgeting and forecasting related to payables and inventory costs.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. 5+ years of accounting experience, with at least 2–3 years in a supervisory or Controller-level role. Direct experience in the spirits, wine, beer, or beverage alcohol industry required. Strong knowledge of excise taxes, TTB reporting, and liquor distribution regulations. Experience with inventory accounting and cost allocation (landed cost, freight, duties). Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, NetSuite, QuickBooks Enterprise, or similar).

Preferred Qualifications

CPA designation (preferred but not required). Experience working with import/export alcohol products. Familiarity with three-tier distribution systems. Experience managing multi-state regulatory compliance. About Us: InterSources Inc, a Certified Diverse Supplier, was founded in 2007 and offers innovative solutions to help clients with Digital Transformations across various domains and industries. Our history spans over 16 years and today we are an Award-Winning Global Software Consultancy solving complex problems with technology. We recognize that our employees and our clients are our strengths as the diverse talents and opportunities they bring to the table enable us to grow as a global platform and they are causally linked with our success. We provide strategic and technical advice, and we have expertise in areas covering Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Migration, Custom Software Development, Data Analytics Infrastructure & Cloud Solutions, Cyber Security Services, etc. We make reasonable accommodations for clients and employees and we do not discriminate based on any protected attribute including race, religion, color, national origin, gender sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or marital status. We also are a Google Cloud partner company. We align strategy with execution and provide secure service solutions by developing and using the latest technologies that thrive our resources to deliver industry-leading capabilities to our clients and customers, making it convenient for our clients to do business with InterSources Inc. Our teams also drive growth by refining technology-driven client experiences that put the users first, providing an unparalleled experience. This results in strengthening the core technologies of clients, enabling them to scale with flexibility, create seamless digital experiences and build lifelong relationships.