Location:Bluffton, South Carolina (In office, not remote)Position SummaryThe Controller will be responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance activities for a dynamic, omnichannel business. This role requires a highly analytical and hands-on leader with deep experience supporting retail, wholesale, and e-commerce channels. The ideal candidate is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a strong understanding of inventory accounting, margin analysis, cash management, and financial controls within a consumer products environment.
The Controller will partner closely with executive leadership to ensure the integrity of financial information and provide insights that support continued growth and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities- Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and inventory accounting.
- Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
- Manage the month-end and year-end close processes.
- Develop, maintain, and strengthen internal controls and accounting policies.
- Oversee cash flow management, banking relationships, and treasury activities.
- Coordinate annual audits and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors and tax advisors.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning processes.
- Analyze financial results and provide actionable insights to leadership.
- Monitor inventory valuation, costing, reserves, and gross margin performance across retail, wholesale, and e-commerce channels.
- Partner with operations, merchandising, supply chain, and sales teams to improve profitability and operational efficiencies.
- Evaluate and enhance accounting systems, processes, and reporting capabilities.
- Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team.
Qualifications- Active CPA designation required.
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; Master's degree preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership responsibilities.
- Experience as a Controller or Assistant Controller within a consumer products, retail, fashion, or omnichannel business environment.
- Demonstrated experience supporting businesses with approximately $50 million or more in annual revenue.
- Strong understanding of inventory accounting, cost accounting, and multi-channel revenue recognition.
- Experience managing external audits and maintaining strong internal controls.
- Advanced knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
- Extensive experience with NetSuite ERP is required, including financial reporting, inventory management, and system optimization.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial analysis tools.
- Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, growth-oriented environment.
Preferred Experience- Fashion, apparel, accessories, or consumer products industry experience.
- Experience with omnichannel businesses operating across retail stores, wholesale, and e-commerce.
- Experience with NetSuite implementations, integrations, and process improvements.
- Experience scaling accounting functions to support growth and operational complexity.
Physical Requirements- Ability to work primarily in an office environment.
- Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
- Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing and operating office equipment.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically.
- Occasionally required to lift and move items weighing up to 15 pounds.