Controller

Scope/Impact

The Controller is responsible for leading P&A Group’s accounting and controllership functions, including general accounting, financial reporting, financial systems, internal controls, audit, tax compliance, and treasury-related activities. The Controller owns the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of the Company’s financial records and ensures accounting practices and reporting are consistent with U.S. GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements.

Reporting to the CFO, the Controller provides leadership to the accounting team and serves as a key financial partner to senior leadership. This role is responsible for maintaining a strong control environment, driving disciplined and efficient accounting processes, supporting financial systems and business transformation initiatives, and providing technical accounting guidance for significant transactions and business decisions.

The Controller is expected to operate with a high degree of ownership and independent judgment, proactively identifying financial and operational risks, strengthening processes and controls, and developing a high-performing accounting organization capable of supporting the continued growth and evolution of the business

Essential Functions

• Leads and oversees the Company’s accounting and controllership activities, including general accounting, financial reporting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash management, internal controls, and related accounting processes and procedures. 
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring financial statements and supporting schedules are accurate, complete, timely, and compliant with U.S. GAAP. 
• Establish and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and a strong internal control environment that safeguards Company assets and ensures the integrity of financial information. 
• Serve as the Company's primary technical accounting resource, researching and advising on complex accounting matters and significant or non-routine transactions. 
• Lead the annual financial statement audit and coordinate tax, regulatory, statutory, and other financial compliance requirements with internal and external partners. 
• Oversee cash management and treasury activities, including cash forecasting, banking activity, reconciliations, and appropriate controls over Company and applicable trust accounts. 
• Provide oversight of financial systems and accounting-related technology, including system implementations, integrations, enhancements, and controls to ensure financial data integrity. 
• Partner with FP&A and the CFO to ensure actual financial results are accurately reflected and understood and to support budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and management reporting. 
• Provide the CFO and Executive Leadership Team with timely financial information, accounting insights, risk identification, and recommendations to support business decisions. 
• Support acquisitions, integrations, and other strategic initiatives, including accounting integration, purchase accounting, financial controls, and process alignment, as applicable. 
• Continuously evaluate accounting processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, automation, scalability, controls, and reporting. 
• Lead, develop, and hold accountable the accounting team; establish clear roles, responsibilities, performance expectations, and development plans. 
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties, staffing, and organizational structure within the accounting function. 
• Build effective relationships across the organization and serve as a trusted financial partner to operational and functional leaders. 
• Perform other financial leadership responsibilities and special projects as assigned by the CFO.

Requirements

   EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; Accounting degree strongly preferred. 
• CPA required. 
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant experience leading a corporate accounting or controllership function. 
• Demonstrated experience owning monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes and financial statement preparation. 
• Advanced knowledge of U.S. GAAP and demonstrated experience researching and resolving complex accounting matters
• Significant experience designing, implementing, and maintaining internal controls and accounting policies. 
• Experience leading external audits and coordinating tax and regulatory compliance activities. 
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing accounting teams.  
• Experience supporting M&A transactions and post-acquisition integrations.  
• Experience with ERP implementations, financial systems transformation, or significant accounting process improvement strongly preferred. 
• Experience in a private equity-backed, high-growth, or transformational environment preferred.

   SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/COMPETENCIES

• Solid oral and written communication skills with ability to convey one’s message with diplomacy and tact
• Expertise in Finance, including operations, and business insights.
• Ability to effectively interact, present information, and respond to questions from colleagues and Executive management
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with critical deadlines
• Advanced experience utilizing Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel
• Solid analytical skills and demonstrated ability to provide insight and guidance
• Strong critical thinking and professional judgment, with the confidence to question assumptions and appropriately challenge decisions or processes when necessary
• Ability to communicate assertively when needed, professionally handle pushback, and stand behind well-supported recommendations and decisions
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to establish expectations, maintain accountability, and navigate difficult conversations
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities utilizing effective organizational and time management practices
• Strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated proficiency with ERP and financial reporting systems; experience implementing or optimizing financial systems strongly preferred.

    TRAVEL

• Occasional travel to the Company’s headquarters in Buffalo, New York may be required based on business needs, as determined by the CFO. Travel will be communicated in advance.

    Working Conditions

• Fast-paced work environment; flexibility to work schedules as required due to changing business demands. Occasional overtime is required. The work environment is moderately sedentary and typical of general office conditions with regard to standing, sitting, walking and lifting; no adverse conditions.
• An equal opportunity employer and a smoke, drug and alcohol-free workplace.

    Other

• Complete any additional assignments and projects as requested by management. 
• This job description is designed to cover a general list of responsibilities and expectations for this role and does not contain a complete listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for the role. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time with or without advance notice.
• EOE