Controller (Retail Industry Experience required)

Overview

A financial services organization is seeking a Financial Controller to join their remote team supporting a portfolio of retail companies, primarily in the food service and retail sectors. This role involves full-cycle accounting responsibilities, financial reporting, inventory oversight, and strategic partnership with business leadership to drive operational and financial success.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted financial advisor to multiple retail business presidents, providing tailored insights to support operational and strategic decisions
• Utilize experience in food service and retail operations to guide cost control, margin analysis, vendor management, and inventory forecasting
• Manage full-cycle accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, inventory accounting, revenue recognition, and payroll
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes, including reconciliations, accruals, fixed assets, and deferred revenue adjustments
• Oversee inventory accounting and product costing to ensure accurate valuation and minimize waste or shrinkage
• Maintain a 13-week cash flow forecast and recommend strategies to optimize working capital
• Prepare trial balances, variance analyses, and financial reporting dashboards using platforms such as OneStream
• Collaborate with leadership on budgeting, quarterly planning, and long-term strategic initiatives
• Deliver key performance indicators (KPIs) reflecting operational performance, including food cost percentage, labor cost percentage, sales per square foot, and margin trends
• Identify and implement process improvements across accounting systems, point-of-sale (POS) integrations, and reporting workflows
• Assist in developing internal controls and documenting financial procedures specific to restaurant and retail environments
• Streamline inventory management practices, including tracking perishable goods, multi-location stock, and seasonal adjustments

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA preferred
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a Controller or senior accounting role
• Proven experience in restaurant accounting, preferably with multi-location operations
• Background in small to medium-sized businesses; experience with fractional or outsourced accounting is a plus
• Proficient with QuickBooks Online, POS systems, and Microsoft Excel
• Working knowledge of US GAAP
• Comfortable working independently in a remote, fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex financial information for non-financial audiences

Tools Used

• QuickBooks Online and POS systems
• NetSuite ERP
• OneStream for reporting and consolidations
• Gusto for payroll
• Asana for project and task management
• Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Teams

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance fully paid by the employer for employees (and dependents on most plans)
• Paid time off including:
  • 15 vacation days
  • 19 company holidays
  • 5 sick days
  • 1 floating holiday of your choice
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development through access to experts in small business accounting and finance

Location

Remote position with some travel required

This role offers the opportunity to apply accounting expertise in a dynamic environment supporting small business owners and employee-owners across the country. The hiring process may involve the use of AI tools to assist with application review, but final hiring decisions are made by human recruiters.