Controller

About Ivy Lane

Ivy Lane is a growing, multi-state operator of Valvoline Instant Oil Change service centers, with approximately 90 locations and $125 million in annual revenue. Our business continues to expand through new store development and acquisitions.

As we grow, we are strengthening our financial infrastructure and building a dedicated Finance & Accounting organization that is fully integrated into our business.

We are seeking an experienced Controller who combines strong technical accounting expertise with business acumen, leadership ability, and a proactive approach to financial management.

Please submit a cover letter to jbiel@ivylanecorp.com to be considered.

Position Overview

The Controller will play a critical leadership role in managing Ivy Lane’s accounting operations, ensuring financial integrity, improving reporting processes, and supporting the financial performance of the business.

This position requires more than traditional accounting management. We need an experienced accounting professional who understands how financial results connect to business operations and can effectively partner with executive and functional leadership.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting leader who can manage financial complexity, develop people, improve processes, and provide meaningful financial insight.

The Controller will also help lead the continued development of Ivy Lane’s dedicated Finance & Accounting function, assuming broader responsibilities as the organization grows.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
• Oversee general ledger accounting, journal entries, accruals, account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and maintain effective internal accounting controls.
• Oversee accounting for inventory, cost of goods sold, fixed assets, depreciation, amortization, and other significant financial accounts.
• Identify and resolve accounting discrepancies, reporting inaccuracies, and process deficiencies.
• Coordinate financial audits and support applicable compliance requirements.
• Establish clear reporting standards, deadlines, and accountability across the accounting function.

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Lead the development and coordination of annual operating budgets and financial forecasts.
• Analyze financial performance against budgets, forecasts, and historical results.
• Identify material variances, understand their underlying causes, and communicate business implications.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support operating and investment decisions.
• Support financial modeling for new store development, acquisitions, and other growth initiatives.
• Develop meaningful financial reporting and performance analysis for executive and functional leadership.

Business and Operational Partnership

• Serve as a financial partner to executive leadership and functional departments.
• Develop a thorough understanding of Ivy Lane’s operating model, revenue drivers, cost structure, and profitability.
• Partner with Operations leadership to evaluate store-level financial performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support P&L reviews, financial education, and performance accountability throughout the organization.
• Provide proactive financial insights, identify emerging issues, and recommend solutions.
• Participate in leadership meetings and contribute to cross-functional business planning and decision-making.
• Translate financial information into clear, actionable business insights.

Accounting Operations and Process Improvement

• Provide oversight of accounts payable, accounts receivable, treasury, and related financial administration functions as responsibilities transition into Ivy Lane.
• Evaluate and improve accounting workflows, reporting systems, and internal controls.
• Support ERP improvements, financial system integrations, and process automation.
• Establish scalable accounting processes that support continued store growth and acquisitions.
• Strengthen communication, coordination, and accountability between Finance & Accounting and other departments.
• Ensure financial information is accurate, accessible, and delivered in a timely manner.

Team Leadership and Organizational Development

• Lead, coach, and develop accounting and finance personnel.
• Establish clear performance expectations, responsibilities, and accountability.
• Build a collaborative, service-oriented Finance & Accounting team.
• Identify opportunities to improve organizational capabilities, staffing, and processes.
• Support the continued transition and development of a dedicated Ivy Lane Finance & Accounting organization.
• Develop financial processes, systems, and team capabilities that can support a significantly larger enterprise.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.
• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive professional accounting experience.
• Demonstrated experience in a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or comparable accounting leadership position.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including GAAP, financial statement preparation, general ledger accounting, accruals, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Direct experience leading month-end and year-end financial close processes.
• Demonstrated experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and P&L management.
• Proven experience leading, coaching, and developing accounting professionals.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership and operational management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify business implications behind financial results.
• Experience with accounting systems, ERP platforms, and advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, take initiative, and operate independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA designation.
• Master’s degree in Accounting or a related field.
• Experience in multi-location retail, automotive services, franchising, or other distributed operating businesses.
• Experience supporting organizations with $75 million or more in annual revenue.
• Experience with inventory accounting, cost accounting, and margin analysis.
• Experience supporting acquisitions, financial due diligence, and business integration.
• Experience implementing financial systems, improving accounting processes, or building accounting teams.
• Experience working in a rapidly growing or evolving organization.

What Success Looks Like

The successful Controller will:

• Deliver accurate, timely, and dependable financial reporting.
• Establish strong accounting controls and disciplined financial processes.
• Build an accountable, capable, and effective accounting team.
• Understand the business behind the financial statements.
• Identify financial issues and opportunities before they become larger problems.
• Bring meaningful financial analysis, insights, and recommendations to leadership.
• Develop strong working relationships across Operations and other functional departments.
• Improve budgeting, forecasting, and financial visibility.
• Take ownership of the Finance & Accounting function without requiring constant direction.
• Help build a scalable financial organization capable of supporting Ivy Lane’s continued growth.

Career Opportunity

This is an opportunity to help shape the financial infrastructure of a growing enterprise.

Ivy Lane is continuing to expand its operations while developing a more integrated and independent Finance & Accounting organization. The Controller will have the opportunity to take meaningful ownership of financial operations, influence business performance, develop a team, and help establish the systems and processes that support our next stage of growth.

We are looking for an experienced accountant who is also a strong business leader. Someone who takes ownership, develops people, understands operations, and recognizes that Finance & Accounting should be an active partner in the success of the business.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Reward and Recognition program.
• Company-paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Ongoing training and development.

EEOC Statement

Ivy Lane Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: From $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Benefits:

Salary : $75 - $85,000