Vice President & Controller, Finance

Adventure is our Culture. Join a team that celebrates a lifestyle as bold as the terrain we love. At Backcountry, we are rooted in adventure, recognition, and wellbeing on and off the mountain. We spotlight employee stories, celebrate milestones, and offer exclusive outdoor perks. Whether you are at HQ, in a retail store, or remote, you will be part of a team that thrives on energy, exploration, and connection.

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah (Hybrid - 3x/week in-office)

About the Role

Backcountry needs a finance leader who can own the entire accounting function — close processes, internal controls, tax, AP/AR, fraud, and external audit — while simultaneously modernizing how the team operates through AI adoption and automation. This role exists because the business is at a stage where accounting rigor, speed, and scalability must all improve in parallel.

As Accounting - VP & Controller, you will lead a multi-disciplinary accounting organization, serve as the primary liaison to external auditors and banking partners, and report results directly to the executive team and Board of Directors. Success in the first year means a materially faster monthly close, a documented internal controls environment, and at least one meaningful AI or automation initiative deployed and delivering measurable results.

This is a lean team. You will own a lot, move fast, and make decisions with full end-to-end responsibility.

What You'll Do

Accounting Operations & Close

• Maintain and continuously improve a documented system of accounting policies and procedures across all business units.
• Streamline the monthly close timeline to deliver timely financial results that enable faster decision-making across leadership.
• Manage inventory control functions and ensure the integrity of inventory reporting across all business units.
• Oversee lease administration and real estate payables, ensuring obligations are tracked, reviewed, and settled accurately.

AI, Automation & Process Improvement

• Identify, pilot, and implement AI-driven tools and automation across close processes, AP, reconciliation, and reporting with a clear mandate to reduce cycle times and manual effort.

Controls, Compliance & External Relationships

• Manage the annual external audit process and ensure a strong internal control environment.
• Manage compliance with lenders and credit facilities, including annual valuations and field exams as required.
• Oversee tax strategy and all tax and regulatory filing obligations; maintain financial reporting policies in compliance with GAAP, FASB, and all applicable regulatory bodies.
• Serve as the key liaison between the company and external auditors and banking partners.

Strategic Partnership & Leadership

• Work closely with the finance team to provide senior management with a full picture of the business across the P&L, Cash Flow, and Balance Sheet.
• Report financial results to the executive team and Board of Directors.
• Lead, inspire, develop, and set direction for the Accounting, Tax, AR, Fraud, and AP teams.
• Support potential M&A activities, including due diligence and integration of acquired entities.

Required Qualifications

• CPA designation required.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role managing large accounting organizations.
• Complete knowledge of finance and accounting processes for a direct-to-consumer business, including multi-location retail and e-commerce operations.
• Thorough understanding of and working experience with GAAP, including emerging pronouncements; working knowledge of SOX compliance requirements and internal control frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience deploying accounting automation or AI tools (e.g., automated reconciliation, AI-assisted close, AP automation) in a retail or e-commerce environment.
• Experience serving as the primary point of contact for external auditors and banking relationships.
• Strong interpersonal skills, excellent attention to detail, and strong analytical capabilities.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NetSuite.
• Audit experience with a Big Four or national accounting firm.
• Prior experience supporting M&A transactions and integrating acquired entities.
• Experience with capital markets reporting and lender covenant compliance.

Why Join

The people who do best here are builders. They take ownership, move fast, and want to see the direct impact of their work.

• Executive Access: Work directly with the CFO, executive team, and Board of Directors — your reporting and recommendations will shape how the business understands its financial position.
• Leadership Opportunity: Build and develop a multi-disciplinary accounting organization across Accounting, Tax, AR, AP, and Fraud, with the mandate to modernize how the function operates.
• Strategic Ownership: Own the internal controls environment, drive AI adoption across accounting, and shape the financial infrastructure that supports Backcountry's next phase of growth.
• Competitive Benefits: Paid time off policies, 401(k) match, medical/dental/vision and a variety of supplemental policies, and employee discounts across our portfolio of brands.

Interview Process

1. Recruiter Screen - A 30-minute conversation with our recruiting team to align on the role, your background, and what you are looking for.
2. Hiring Manager Interview - Conversation with the CFO focused on leadership philosophy, accounting transformation experience, and strategic alignment.
3. Panel Interview - Meet with cross-functional senior leaders to discuss collaboration, communication style, and how you approach building teams and driving change.
4. Executive Interview - A conversation with executive leadership to assess strategic fit and long-term vision for the function.
5. In-Person Interview - We'd like to meet you at our Salt Lake City office. Details and logistics will be arranged with your recruiter.
6. Reference Checks - Conducted in parallel with the final stages where possible.
7. Offer - We move quickly for the right candidate.

Interview process is subject to change. Any updates will be communicated promptly and clearly.