Assistant Controller

Description

Summary

The Assistant Controller is responsible for leading core accounting operations and supporting the growth and scalability of the finance organization. This role oversees the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, manages the month-end close process, and drives continuous improvement of accounting systems, processes, and internal controls. The position manages a small accounting team and partners cross-functionally to support audit, tax, lender reporting, and operational initiatives. This role also plays a key part in process optimization efforts, including procure-to-pay enhancements, accounts payable automation, and ERP system improvements and adoption.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly close process, ensuring timely, accurate, and well-documented financial results 
•  Oversee the general ledger, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and variance analysis 
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and maintain strong internal controls and accounting policies 
• Serve as a key contact for external auditors, supporting the annual audit process 
• Coordinate with external partners on tax reporting and compliance requirements 
• Support debt compliance and lender reporting, including preparation of required financial packages 
• Manage, coach, and develop a team of 3–4 accounting professionals 
• Partner cross-functionally with operations, procurement, and FP&A teams 
• Drive process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and scalability 
• Lead procure-to-pay transformation, including AP automation implementation 
• Support ERP system improvements including configuration, testing, and training.
• Assist with special projects and strategic initiatives.  

Food Safety

Responsible and required to notify management about actual or potential food safety issues; and empowered to act to resolve food safety issues within their scope of work. If this position is vacant for any significant period of time the obligation for completion of all food safety and quality related tasks will become the responsibility of the direct manager or a qualified designee.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Skills/ Knowledge:

Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting principles, with proven experience leading accounting operations and driving process improvements. Demonstrated leadership and team development capabilities, along with strong collaboration and communication skills across cross-functional teams. Highly detail-oriented with the ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Experience with ERP systems and accounts payable automation platforms is preferred.

Computer Skills: 

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, including financial reporting, data analysis, pivot tables, and spreadsheet modeling. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Outlook, along with experience utilizing ERP systems and other financial software applications. Experience with reporting tools, process automation, and accounts payable automation platforms preferred.

Education:  

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required, along with 5 years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership and team development responsibilities. Experience working in a complex, fast-paced, or high-growth business environment is preferred.

Physical Demands: 

The Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands to finger, handle and feel objects, tools, and controls. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, bend, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.