Assistant Controller

About the role

The Assistant Controller plays a key leadership role within the Finance & Accounting function, supporting the Corporate Controller in overseeing the full scope of the company's accounting operations. This position is responsible for ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, maintaining strong internal controls, and driving process improvements across the accounting department.

Responsibilities

• Own the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Manage the month-end and year-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate reporting
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules
• Analyze financial results and provide variance explanations versus budget and prior periods
• Cook up and coordinate the preparation of consolidated financial statements across business units
• Manage accounting and reconciliations related to Payroll & Benefits
• Maintain and strengthen the internal control environment in accordance with company policy
• Serve as the primary point of contact for coordinating external audits and tax engagements; serve as key liaison with auditors
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements
• Develop, document, and enforce accounting policies and procedures
• Identify control gaps and implement remediation plans as needed
• Supervise and mentor accounting staff, currently one Senior Accountant and one Staff Accountant
• Conduct performance reviews, set development goals, and support career growth within the team
• Provide training on accounting systems, policies, and technical topics
• Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Support the annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting process
• Prepare financial models and ad hoc analyses to support business decisions
• Collaborate with FP&A, operations, and procurement on financial planning initiatives
• Identify opportunities to improve margins, reduce costs, and drive operational efficiency

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required, MBA preferred
• CPA designation strongly preferred; candidates actively pursuing a CPA will be considered
• Experience: Minimum 5–7 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role
• Prior experience in food manufacturing, CPG, or process manufacturing in a private equity environment is preferred
• Public accounting experience (Big 4 or regional firm) a plus
• Prior experience with payroll and benefits – accounting and reconciliation preferred

Technical Skills

• Strong working knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards
• Proficiency in ERP systems; experience with top-tier accounting systems (i.e., SAP, Oracle, JDEdwards) preferred
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, financial modeling)
• Familiarity with consolidation software and business intelligence/reporting tools

Competencies

• High level of attention to detail with a strong commitment to accuracy and data integrity
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a solutions-oriented mindset
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders
• Collaborative team player who can also work independently with minimal direction
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct