Distribution Controller

CBIZ Talent Solutions is assisting our distribution client in their search for a Controller in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.

Our client is hiring a hands-on Controller to lead Finance & Administration for a growing distribution company that runs on EOS. You will lead, manage, and hold accountable the people and functions in your seat; ensure the right people are in the right seats; make expectations clear; and align priorities with the business. You’ll demonstrate Passionate Ownership by building discipline, accountability, and collaboration, and you’ll reinforce Trusted Excellence by resolving issues quickly and improving how we work every quarter.

What you’ll own

• Finance & Administration team leadership and performance
• Accounting, reporting, cash, and controls
• Inventory and COGS integrity for a distribution environment
• Outsourced IT and HR vendor oversight
• Company-wide financial compliance and risk management

Key responsibilities

• Lead Finance & Administration (Accounting, AR/AP, Payroll coordination, IT/HR vendors).
• Ensure the right people are in the right seats; set clear expectations and priorities.
• Build a culture of Passionate Ownership and Trusted Excellence; follow through on commitments (We Do What We Say).
• Elevate communication, alignment, and execution across departments.

Accounting

• Own the general ledger, account reconciliations, AR, AP, fixed assets, and internal controls.
• Maintain a clean chart of accounts and documented processes that are followed consistently.
• Deliver precise, audit-ready work; continuously simplify and improve systems and workflows.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Produce timely and accurate monthly financials, reporting packages, and board/leadership updates.
• Provide clear, decision-ready insights on sales, margins, expenses, and cash.
• Prepare audit/review/compilation support and coordinate with external CPA firm.
• Improve reporting to deliver sharper insights and stronger decision-making tools.

Cash, Working Capital, and Banking

• Build and maintain a 13-week cash forecast; manage daily cash position.
• Optimize AR collections and customer credit; reduce overdue balances and deductions/chargebacks.
• Manage AP timing and vendor terms without risking supply.
• Handle borrowing base and covenant reporting (ABL/line of credit), if applicable.

Inventory, COGS, and Margin Integrity

• Ensure accurate inventory valuation (e.g., FIFO or moving average) and reconcile to the GL.
• Track landed cost (freight, duties, surcharges) and vendor rebates; ensure accurate COGS.
• Partner with Operations on cycle counts/annual counts; resolve variances quickly.
• Monitor gross margin by SKU, customer, and channel; support pricing and terms decisions.

IT (Outsourced Oversight)

• Oversee IT infrastructure and outsourced partners (hardware, Microsoft 365, phones, conference/media equipment).
• Ensure reliability, security, and responsiveness; anticipate needs and address issues before they disrupt operations.
• Improve systems to support growth while minimizing complexity; maintain access/permission controls.

HR (Outsourced Oversight)

• Oversee outsourced HR services: payroll and payroll tax compliance, benefits, workers’ comp, health and safety, and policies.
• Ensure vendors deliver consistent, compliant service; maintain accurate, timely filings.
• Support managers with hiring, discipline, and separations in alignment with company policies and values.

Compliance and Risk

• Safeguard compliance across financial, tax, insurance, and corporate governance requirements.
• Manage sales/use tax and multi-state nexus; file accurately and on time.
• Keep registrations, licenses, and insurance current; reduce risk and protect company integrity.

Processes, Systems, and Data

• Document and improve core processes (Order-to-Cash, Procure-to-Pay, Inventory).
• Strengthen practical internal controls and segregation of duties.
• Improve ERP/WMS/EDI data quality and workflows; reduce manual work and errors.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration
• 7 years of progressive accounting/finance experience; distribution/wholesale/logistics experience required.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP for private companies and inventory accounting (landed cost, rebates, freight, chargebacks).
• Proven track record managing monthly close, cash forecasting, AR/AP, and internal controls.
• Experience improving or implementing ERP/WMS processes and data discipline.
• Comfortable in an entrepreneurial, roll‐up‐your‐sleeves environment with cross‐functional collaboration.
• Experience with NetSuite preferred