Controller

About the role

This is a high-visibility leadership position with direct access to ownership. The Controller will influence profitability, vendor strategy, inventory performance, capital decision, and long-term planning. For the right individual, this role offers meaningful responsibility today and a clear path toward broader executive financial leadership.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and inventory accounting
• Work as a member of the corporate management team providing financial and accounting support for analysis and planning of corporate activities
• Personally ensure the accuracy and timeliness of monthly financial statements
• Manage processes for financial forecasting, budgets, and reporting to the company
• Lead full-cycle accounting operations (GL, AP, AR, payroll, inventory accounting)
• Maintain strong internal controls and GAAP compliance
• Lead annual budgeting and rolling forecasts
• Actively manage cash flow and working capital
• Provide detailed gross margin analysis by department/category
• Maintain in-depth oversight of inventory management, including both physical inventory control processes and general ledger financial accuracy
• Partner with operations to improve inventory accuracy, reduce shrink, and optimize inventory turns
• Ensure alignment between physical inventory counts, cycle counts, POS systems, and financial reporting
• Provide actionable financial insight to improve profitability
• Negotiate and evaluate key vendor agreements, including employee insurance and benefit contracts
• Work directly with outside counsel in lease negotiations and contract review
• Provide strategic leadership and support financing discussions and capital investment decisions
• Cook up year-end review and tax filings with external CPA
• Lead and develop a small accounting team

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field
• 7-10+ years of progressive accounting experience with leadership responsibility
• Controller experience required
• Retail or multi-location operation experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of inventory management, including physical inventory controls and financial inventory accounting
• Experience in privately held or owner-led businesses preferred
• CPA preferred
• Strong GAAP and internal control knowledge
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills
• Demonstrated business acumen and commercial awareness