Assistant Controller

Description

The Assistant Controller plays a critical role in supporting the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of financial operations across multiple business entities. Working closely with the Financial Controller, this position provides hands-on leadership across the month-end close cycle, financial reporting, and compliance functions. The ideal candidate brings a strong technical accounting foundation, a process-improvement mindset, and the ability to collaborate effectively across operational teams and locations. This role serves as a key developmental position within the finance organization, with a direct path toward broader leadership responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and deliver monthly financial statements for assigned subsidiaries, including variance commentary and insight on key trends.

• Analyze financial results to identify opportunities for operational improvement and cost savings.

• Support the annual audit process and collaborate with external CPA firms on reporting packages and documentation.

• Prepare monthly affiliate/partnership statements and support borrowing base and lender compliance reporting.

Financial Close & General Ledger

• Lead the month-end close process for assigned entities, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all entries and reconciliations.

• Develop, implement, and maintain financial controls and guidelines to ensure the integrity of the general ledger and subledgers.

• Enforce internal controls to protect company assets and ensure adherence to policies, procedures, and workflows.

• Review and refine close workflows to drive efficiencies and reduce overall close timeline.

Budget, KPIs & Financial Analytics

• Participate in the annual budget cycle and provide support for month-end variance analysis across entities.

• Assist in developing meaningful KPIs and financial metrics for operating partners, senior managers, and executives.

• Support cash flow forecasting and financial planning for capital investments and operational needs.

Capital Project Management

• Administer the capital expenditure process, ensuring proper approvals, accurate tracking, and timely payments.

• Maintain asset documentation including titles and depreciation records.

• Prepare quarterly capital reporting updates for executive and CPA review.

Systems & Technology

• Evaluate the effectiveness of accounting systems and technology and provide recommendations for improvement or replacement as appropriate.

• Partner with IT and the Financial Controller to identify system weaknesses and develop customized data connections to support reporting and analysis.

• Support implementation of new technology and systems once approved, including NetSuite administration tasks.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Assist in ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations related to day-to-day business operations.

• Support preparation of specific tax returns and regulatory filings as assigned.

• Provide external accountants with documentation and information required for audit and tax engagements.

Team Leadership & Development

• Directly supervise 1–2 accounting staff, providing day-to-day direction, performance feedback, and ongoing coaching to support individual growth and team effectiveness.

• Set clear expectations, delegate responsibilities appropriately, and hold direct reports accountable for accuracy, timeliness, and quality of work.

• Identify training needs and facilitate development opportunities to build technical depth across the team, including NetSuite and Excel proficiency.

• Partner with the Financial Controller on performance reviews, goal-setting, and talent development planning for direct reports.

• Foster a collaborative, positive team culture rooted in accountability, continuous improvement, and shared ownership of results.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a financial liaison with operational teams across all BNW locations to ensure alignment between accounting and field activities.

• Participate in cross-functional projects to improve systems, streamline processes, and support strategic initiatives.

What Success Looks Like

In this role, success isn’t just about completing tasks. It’s about the quality, reliability, and impact of your work across the organization. Here’s what great looks like in year one and beyond:

Month-End Close Excellence

Close timelines are consistently met with accurate, complete   entries. Variance commentary is clear, useful, and delivered without having   to be chased.

Clean, Reliable Financial Reporting

Monthly financial statements across all assigned entities are   accurate and delivered on schedule. Leadership and operating partners can   trust the numbers.

Strong Internal Controls

Financial controls are enforced consistently and improved   proactively. Audit prep is organized and collaborative, with minimal   surprises.

Process Improvement Mindset

Close workflows and accounting procedures are regularly evaluated   for efficiency. Recommendations are made and followed through, not just   identified.

Cross-Functional Credibility

Finance and operations teams across BNW locations view this role as   a trusted resource. Communication is proactive, clear, and grounded in   operational context.

Team Development

Accounting team members are coached, trained, and developing under   this role’s guidance. Knowledge is shared, not siloed.

Capital & Compliance Ownership

Capital projects are tracked accurately with proper approvals and   documentation. Regulatory filings and compliance obligations are met on time   with no gaps.

Technology Utilization

NetSuite and supporting systems are used effectively and   continuously improved. System gaps are identified and brought forward with   solutions, not just problems.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required; CPA or advanced degree a plus.

• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in accounting or financial analysis roles, with exposure to full-cycle general ledger and financial statement preparation.

• Experience in a multi-entity environment strongly preferred; agriculture, cattle feeding, or related industries a plus.

• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and technical accounting principles.

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and accounting software systems; NetSuite experience preferred.

• Demonstrated problem-solving, critical thinking, and process improvement skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and locations.

• Exceptional organizational skills and keen attention to detail.

Competencies

• Analytical Thinking: Translates complex financial data into meaningful insights that drive operational and strategic decisions.

• Financial Stewardship: Demonstrates ownership over the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of financial reporting across entities.

• Process Improvement: Proactively identifies inefficiencies and develops solutions to streamline workflows and strengthen internal controls.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Builds trust and alignment between finance and operations teams across locations.

• Adaptability: Adapts to changing priorities and business needs in a dynamic, multi-entity environment.

• Integrity: Upholds the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality in all financial matters.

Work Environment

This position is based in Beef Northwest’s North Powder, Oregon office and operates in a professional office environment. The role requires regular interaction with operational teams across all BNW locations and collaboration with external CPA firms and banking partners. Occasional travel to other company operating locations is expected.