Role Overview
The Controller will own the accounting function end-to-end and serve as the backbone of financial integrity, reporting, and operational discipline. This role will partner closely with the Head of Finance to build scalable processes and support retail expansion.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both execution and system-building.
Key Responsibilities
1. Financial Close & Reporting
- Monthly, quarterly, and annual close process (tighten to 5 business days over time)
- Ensure accurate GAAP-compliant financial statements
- Maintain audit-ready documentation and schedules
- External audit and tax coordination
2. Inventory, COGS & Gross Margin Integrity
- Own inventory accounting across 3PLs, retail, and DTC channels
- Contribute to accurate standard costing, landed cost tracking, and SKU-level margin visibility
- Build controls around shrinkage, obsolescence, and write-offs
- Partner with Supply Chain on purchase accounting and inventory forecasting alignment
3. Retail & Trade Spend Accounting
- Build and manage accounting for:
- Chargebacks, deductions, and returns
- Trade spend, promotions, and markdowns
- Ensure proper revenue recognition and contra-revenue treatment
- Partner with Sales and Supply Chain to reconcile retailer activity
4. Cash, AR/AP & Working Capital
- Oversee AR/AP function (including existing AR/AP Specialist)
- Partner on cash conversion cycle improvement:
- AR collections rigor
- Vendor terms optimization
- Maintain daily/weekly cash visibility and reporting
5. Systems & Process Buildout Partnering:
- Optimize and scale QuickBooks (or transition to ERP)
- Controls, SOPs, and documentation across all accounting workflows
- Partner with Head of Finance on system roadmap (inventory, FP&A, reporting tools)
6. Compliance & Controls
- Partner on establishing internal controls appropriate for a scaling business
- Ensure compliance with tax, sales tax, and multi-state nexus requirements
- Build foundation for SOX-readiness (future state)
7. Team Leadership
- Manage and develop accounting team
- Build org structure as company scales
- Drive accountability, timelines, and high-performance culture
Qualifications
- 6-10+ years in accounting (CPG, retail, or inventory-heavy business preferred)
- CPA strongly preferred (Big 4 or strong audit background a plus)
- Deep experience with:
- Inventory and cost accounting
- Retail / wholesale accounting complexities
- Experience scaling processes in a high-growth environment
- Strong systems orientation (QuickBooks, ERP exposure, Excel modeling)
Profile
- Hands-on operator who can both execute and build
- Detail-obsessed with strong ownership mentality
- Comfortable in fast-paced, ambiguous environments
- Strong cross-functional partner (Supply Chain, Marketing, Sales, Ops)
- High integrity and low ego
Why This Role
- Opportunity to build the accounting foundation of a breakout brand
- Direct exposure to executive team and strategic decisions
- Key role in preparing the business for scale and increased profitability
