Controller

TITLE: Controller

REPORTS TO: CFO / Finance Leadership

COMPENSATION: $160k–$190k Base Annual Bonus (Commensurate with Experience)

LOCATION: Reno - with some travel to another West Coast City

Company:

A growing, private equity-backed consumer products organization has partnered with Conexus to identify a Controller to help strengthen its accounting operations and support its next phase of expansion. Operating within the food and beverage industry, the business has an established national retail presence, a diversified product portfolio, and a combination of internal manufacturing and third-party production relationships.

The organization continues to invest in operational infrastructure, financial systems, and process improvements to support its evolving business needs. This opportunity offers significant visibility to executive leadership and the ability to make a meaningful impact within a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.

Purpose Of Your Position:

The Controller will serve as a key accounting leader, partnering closely with senior finance leadership to oversee financial reporting, strengthen internal controls, and improve the efficiency of accounting operations. This individual will take a hands-on approach to managing the financial close, maintaining accurate financial records, and developing scalable processes to support continued growth.

The ideal candidate brings a strong technical accounting foundation, preferably developed through public accounting, along with the ability to operate effectively in a growing business. This position offers an opportunity to lead and develop an accounting team while driving meaningful improvements across financial reporting, systems, and operational accounting.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Direct monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting close activities, ensuring financial information is delivered accurately and within established reporting deadlines.
• Oversee the preparation of financial statements, management reporting packages, and consolidated financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Manage core accounting functions, including general ledger activities, accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory, fixed assets, and other balance sheet accounts.
• Review and approve journal entries, accruals, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules while investigating material fluctuations in financial results.
• Serve as a primary contact for external auditors, coordinating audit requests, preparing supporting documentation, and addressing technical accounting matters.
• Lead and mentor accounting professionals, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and opportunities for professional development.
• Evaluate existing accounting procedures and implement enhancements to improve reporting accuracy, internal controls, and overall operational efficiency.
• Partner with operations and supply chain leadership to support inventory accounting, manufacturing costs, product profitability, and related financial analysis.
• Develop a strong understanding of ERP configurations, transaction processing, and system integrations to identify opportunities for greater automation and improved data integrity.
• Support the financial oversight of customer promotional programs, trade expenditures, deductions, and related accounting activities.
• Analyze working capital trends, cash requirements, and operating expenses to provide leadership with actionable financial insights.
• Assist with capital expenditure evaluations, operational investments, and other initiatives supporting the organization's long-term growth.
• Maintain accounting policies, standardized procedures, and reporting controls across multiple business units or operating entities.
• Coordinate applicable tax filings, regulatory requirements, lender reporting, and other financial compliance activities.
• Collaborate with finance and operational stakeholders to identify process inefficiencies, resolve accounting challenges, and improve the timeliness and reliability of financial information.
• Participate in financial systems enhancements, technology implementations, and cross-functional initiatives designed to support a more scalable accounting organization.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Public accounting experience required, with a strong foundation in financial reporting, accounting standards, and internal controls.
• Approximately 8 years of progressive accounting experience, including meaningful responsibility for financial close and reporting activities.
• CPA designation strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of U.S. GAAP, technical accounting principles, and financial statement preparation.
• Experience managing or supporting external financial audits, including preparation of supporting schedules and financial documentation.
• Prior experience in food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, manufacturing, or another inventory-intensive environment preferred.
• Exposure to private equity-backed businesses or organizations experiencing significant growth or operational transformation is a plus.
• Familiarity with manufacturing accounting, inventory valuation, cost accounting, and related operational financial processes preferred.
• Experience with NetSuite or comparable ERP platforms highly desirable.
• Strong Excel capabilities and the ability to analyze complex financial information.
• Proven ability to improve accounting processes, implement controls, and enhance financial reporting capabilities.
• Effective leadership skills with the ability to develop teams while remaining actively involved in day-to-day accounting activities.
• Strong analytical judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.