Corporate Controller

Corporate Controller

Position: Corporate Controller

Location: Westwood, MA | 5 days in officer

Reporting Relationship: Chief Financial Officer

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Our client is a well-established, privately held organization experiencing continued growth and operational expansion. The Company is focused on strengthening its financial infrastructure, enhancing reporting capabilities, and investing in systems and processes to support its long-term strategic objectives.

CORPORATE CONTROLLER – POSITION OVERVIEW

The Corporate Controller will serve as a key member of the finance organization, reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer and assuming ownership of the Company's accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance activities. This individual will play a critical role in strengthening the accounting infrastructure of a growing organization while ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information.

As the Company continues to scale, the Controller will lead the ongoing transition toward comprehensive U.S. GAAP reporting, enhance accounting policies and internal controls, and oversee the monthly close and annual audit processes. Particular emphasis will be placed on inventory accounting, cost accounting, accruals, working capital, and financial statement preparation, while identifying opportunities to improve processes and maximize the capabilities of the Company's recently implemented ERP system.

The successful candidate will bring a strong technical accounting foundation, sound business judgment, and a hands-on approach to leadership. Working closely with the CFO, this individual will mentor and develop the existing accounting team, establish greater consistency and accountability across the function, and support the evolution of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and operational analysis. This opportunity is well suited for an accounting professional seeking broader ownership and the ability to make a meaningful impact within a growing, entrepreneurial organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting Leadership & Financial Close

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Oversee general ledger activities, account reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and the preparation of financial statements.
• Continue strengthening the Company's GAAP accounting framework, establishing consistent accounting policies, procedures, and reporting practices.
• Prepare and review balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow reporting, including analysis of working capital, trends, and variances.
• Oversee core accounting activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, cash management, and payroll-related accounting.

Inventory Accounting & Operational Reporting

• Oversee inventory accounting, valuation, reserves, and reconciliations, including analysis of aged and slow-moving inventory.
• Manage product costing, inventory costing, gross margin analysis, vendor rebates, and operating variances.
• Support annual physical inventory counts, cycle count programs, and related inventory controls.
• Partner with purchasing, operations, and other functional leaders to improve financial visibility and understand key business drivers.

Financial Reporting, Audit & Compliance

• Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, leading the annual financial statement audit, including preparation of supporting schedules, documentation, and resolution of accounting matters.
• Strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and financial reporting procedures to support the Company's continued growth.
• Oversee sales and excise tax compliance, along with appropriate accounting and reconciliation of payroll taxes and related liabilities.
• Ensure financial reporting practices align with U.S. GAAP and support the evolving needs of the business.

Systems, Process Improvement & Financial Planning

• Maximize the capabilities of the Company's ERP system, with an emphasis on general ledger functionality, financial reporting, and accounting efficiencies.
• Identify opportunities to streamline manual processes, improve data accuracy, and leverage automation and emerging technologies.
• Partner with the CFO on budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and the development of more sophisticated KPI and management reporting.
• Support the evolution of financial planning capabilities, including improved budget-to-actual analysis and longer-range planning.

Team Leadership & Business Partnership

• Provide hands-on leadership, mentorship, and technical accounting guidance to a lean and developing accounting team.
• Establish clear expectations, strengthen accountability, and develop the team's capabilities in GAAP accounting, reporting, and financial analysis.
• Collaborate with operational leaders to ensure accurate financial information and effective processes.
• Serve as a trusted partner to the CFO, assuming greater ownership of day-to-day accounting activities and allowing for increased focus on strategic initiatives.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA preferred, although strong technical accounting expertise and relevant industry experience may be considered in lieu of certification.
• Minimum of five years of progressive accounting experience, including demonstrated ownership of financial close, GAAP reporting, and audit coordination.
• Experience within wholesale distribution, industrial products, or manufacturing strongly preferred, with a solid understanding of inventory accounting, product costing, margins, and vendor rebates.
• Strong foundation in U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, accrual accounting, internal controls, and accounting policies.
• Experience managing external financial statement audits and working directly with auditors to resolve accounting matters.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 or comparable ERP systems preferred, along with advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Demonstrated ability to improve accounting processes, strengthen financial controls, and leverage technology to increase efficiency.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to mentor developing accounting professionals and collaborate effectively across the business.
• Willingness to work onsite five days per week, with reasonable flexibility for individual circumstances.

KEY SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• Hands-On Accounting Leadership: Comfortable working directly in the details of accounting, reconciliations, financial reporting, and audit matters while providing guidance and leadership to others.
• Technical Accounting & GAAP Expertise: Brings strong accounting judgment, a solid understanding of U.S. GAAP, and the ability to establish and maintain sound accounting policies and practices.
• Inventory & Operational Acumen: Understands the financial and operational dynamics of inventory-intensive businesses, including inventory management, product costing, gross margins, and vendor relationships.
• Process Improvement & Technology Orientation: Proactively identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen controls, and leverage ERP capabilities and automation.
• Ownership & Accountability: Takes initiative, follows through on commitments, and brings a disciplined approach to managing accounting processes and deliverables.
• Collaborative Leadership & Business Partnership: Builds strong relationships across finance and operations, develops team members, and communicates financial information effectively to stakeholders.
• Adaptability & Growth Mindset: Thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and is comfortable building structure while remaining flexible as the organization evolves.

SE: 510832289