Financial Controller

Job Title: Controller – 3rd Party Logistics (3PL)

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for overseeing all financial operations—including accounting, reporting, budgeting, compliance, and internal controls—for a fast-paced 3rd-party logistics organization. This role ensures accurate financial management, drives process improvement, supports strategic decision-making, and partners closely with leadership to maintain profitability, operational efficiency, and long-term financial stability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Reporting & Accounting Operations

• Oversee all daily accounting functions, including general ledger, AP/AR, billing, cash management, payroll, and month-end close.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Ensure appropriate revenue recognition for brokerage, transportation, warehousing, and value-added services.
• Maintain and improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.

2. Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Lead annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.
• Monitor actual vs. budget performance; analyze variances and provide actionable recommendations.
• Partner with operations, sales, and executive teams to provide financial insights on margins, cost drivers, and market trends.
• Support pricing strategy and profitability analysis for lanes, customers, and service lines.

3. Cash Flow & Treasury Management

• Manage cash flow, working capital, and credit facilities to support business growth.
• Oversee carrier payments, factoring relationships, and customer credit approvals.
• Ensure optimal cash application processes for high-volume freight billing cycles.

4. Compliance & Audit

• Manage external audits, tax filings, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure adherence to state and federal transportation finance rules (e.g., freight billing requirements, broker trust requirements).
• Maintain proper documentation and financial controls to minimize risk.

5. Systems, Process Improvement & Automation

• Oversee financial systems and integrations with the TMS, WMS, CRM, and other operational tools.
• Drive process improvements, automation, and efficiency across accounting and finance workflows.
• Ensure accurate and timely billing for freight brokerage, contract logistics, and warehousing services.

6. Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and finance staff.
• Serve as a key advisor to the CFO and executive team on financial performance and strategy.
• Collaborate with operations, sales, HR, and carrier management to support company-wide objectives.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or CMA preferred).
• 5–10 years of progressive accounting/finance experience; 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Experience in 3PL, freight brokerage, transportation, supply chain, or logistics (strongly preferred).
• Thorough understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and transportation industry billing processes.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership and communication abilities.
• High proficiency with accounting systems (e.g., NetSuite, QuickBooks, Sage) and TMS integration.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with tight deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting
• Billing cycle time and invoice accuracy
• DSO (Days Sales Outstanding) and cash flow performance
• AP/AR aging management
• Budget vs. actual financial performance
• Audit results and compliance measures
• Team productivity and process improvement achievements

Preferred Traits

• Hands-on, proactive leadership style.
• Strong business acumen with understanding of freight profitability drivers.
• Ability to build scalable processes in a high-growth environment.
• Collaborative mindset with a focus on operational partnership.