Associate Business Unit Controller

About the role

The Associate Business Unit Controller supports the accounting, financial reporting, and financial stewardship of one or more assigned business units while developing the technical accounting, financial analysis, and business partnership skills necessary to assume full ownership of a business unit.

Reporting to the Assistant Controller, this role partners closely with centralized Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Finance teams within Empower's shared services accounting model to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. It serves as a developmental role, providing progressive exposure to business unit accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, and operational partnership while preparing the individual for advancement into a Business Unit Controller position.

Responsibilities

• Prepare routine and recurring journal entries, including accruals, prepaids, allocations, and reclassifications.
• Complete assigned month-end close activities in accordance with established close calendars.
• Prepare and reconcile balance sheet accounts, researching and resolving reconciling items.
• Maintain accurate general ledger activity and supporting documentation.
• Assist with preparation of monthly financial statements for assigned business units.
• Support the Assistant Controller in maintaining the financial integrity of assigned business units.
• Monitor assigned balance sheet and income statement accounts and research unusual activity.
• Partner with centralized teams to ensure financial accuracy.
• Assist in identifying financial risks, discrepancies, and operational issues impacting business performance.
• Build collaborative relationships with operational leaders and Shared Services partners.
• Respond to routine accounting questions from assigned business units.
• Participate in business meetings and operational reviews as assigned.
• Develop the ability to translate financial information into meaningful business insights.
• Prepare monthly financial statements, supporting schedules, and variance analyses.
• Analyze financial results by comparing actual performance to budget, forecast, and prior periods, identifying significant variances for review.
• Research account activity and investigate unusual transactions, trends, or fluctuations.
• Prepare financial reports and ad hoc analyses that support business unit leadership and Finance.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities by gathering and validating financial data.
• Ensure compliance with company accounting policies and internal controls.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready financial documentation.
• Identify unusual transactions or potential control concerns and communicate them to leadership.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, efficiency, and accuracy.
• Assist with implementation of accounting system enhancements and automation initiatives.
• Support documentation of accounting procedures and workflow improvements.
• Support special projects and organizational initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• 2–4 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience supporting month-end close and financial reporting.
• Working knowledge of GAAP.
• Experience with ERP systems (Netsuite preferred) and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA candidate or active pursuit of CPA designation.
• Experience in multi-entity, franchise, shared services, or service-based organizations.
• Experience supporting audits.
• Experience with budgeting or financial analysis.
• Familiarity with Power BI or other financial reporting tools.

Skills

• Ability to learn quickly and develop increasing ownership of financial responsibilities.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines during month-end close.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.

Pay

The estimated compensation range for this position is $80,000 to $95,000 annually. Actual compensation is based on factors including years of experience, skills, qualifications, and geographic location.

About the company

Empower Brands was founded in 2022 as a product of the integration of Lynx Franchising and Outdoor Living Brands. Empower encompasses ten industry-leading brands across commercial and residential services: JAN-PRO, FRSTeam, Archadeck Outdoor Living, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (OLP), Conserva Irrigation, Koala Insulation, Wallaby Windows, Superior Fence and Rail, Bumble Roofing, and Canopy Lawn Care.

Empower is dedicated to providing its customers with the highest quality products and services in the commercial and home services industry while delivering its franchise owners committed personal support, tools, and empowerment to pursue their own success. Empower Brands is a portfolio company of MidOcean Partners, a leading private equity firm with an excellent track record investing in successful, growth-focused franchise businesses.