What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller / Accounting Manager position at ebs Recruiters?
Founded in 2003, ebs Recruiters is built on a foundation of family values and a passion for finding great opportunities for amazing individuals. With over 3,000 talented professionals successfully placed, we are dedicated to making dreams a reality. Networking is at the core of what we do, connecting candidates with their ideal roles and providing top-notch services to our clients.
Today, our leadership team boasts over 100 years of collective experience in technical recruitment. Their extensive expertise brings a unique blend of business acumen and interpersonal skills to every interaction. When you partner with ebs Recruiters, you can rely on us to offer continuity, expertise, and a dedicated contact for all your recruitment needs. We recruit a perfect fit, every time.
Controller / Accounting Manager
Privately Held Company | St. Louis, MO
Position Overview: Our client is seeking a Controller / Accounting Manager to lead the company’s day-to-day accounting and financial operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and GAAP-compliant financial reporting while building scalable processes to support growth. This is a highly hands-on role responsible for full-cycle accounting, internal controls, and close management, while partnering closely with ownership and operational leaders on financial insights, cash flow, and strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate thrives in a small-company environment, takes strong ownership of outcomes, and balances execution with continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Accounting & Financial Reporting
- Own the full accounting function, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and inventory accounting
- Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and balance sheet integrity
- Prepare and review GAAP-compliant financial statements, including P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, and variance analysis
- Maintain accounting policies and ensure compliance with US GAAP and internal control standards
Controls, Compliance & Governance
- Strengthen internal controls, reconciliations, and documentation across all accounting processes
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including multi-state sales and use tax
- Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, payroll providers, and other financial partners
Cash Flow & Operational Support
- Improve cash flow visibility and working capital management, including AR collections, AP cadence, and inventory valuation
- Provide financial analysis and actionable insights to leadership to support operational and strategic decisions
- Partner cross-functionally with sales, operations, and supply chain on margins, pricing, cost drivers, and performance metrics
Systems & Process Improvement
- Own and optimize the ERP system and related financial tools; lead system enhancements or transitions as needed
- Improve end-to-end accounting processes such as order-to-cash, procure-to-pay, and inventory accounting
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance reporting accuracy, efficiency, and scalability
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team
- Establish clear processes, accountability, and performance standards appropriate for a growing organization
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required
- 6–12 years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibility
- Strong knowledge of full-cycle accounting, US GAAP, and financial statement preparation
- Experience in manufacturing, distribution, inventory-driven, or regulated environments preferred
- Proven success improving close processes, internal controls, and reporting in a growth or change environment
- Hands-on ERP experience (implementation, optimization, or system transition)
- Experience with multi-state sales tax compliance
- Advanced Excel skills; BI or reporting tool experience is a plus
- Strong analytical, organizational, and cross-functional communication skills
- Detail-oriented, pragmatic, and comfortable operating in a small-company, fast-paced setting
Why This Role
- High-impact controller role with broad ownership and visibility
- Opportunity to build and improve processes rather than inherit rigid structures
- Close partnership with leadership and influence on business decisions
- Stable, privately held company with growth potential