Accounting Controller

THIS IS AN ONSITE POSITION MONDAY – FRIDAY  (NOT A REMOTE OR HYBRID WORK SCHEDULE)

This position is based at our Corporate Headquarters in Los Angeles near the LAX Airport. 

CONTROLLER  

Summary:  The Controller is responsible and accountable for the accounting systems of the company, including the production of periodic financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, establishment of a comprehensive set of internal controls designed to mitigate financial risk, maintenance of the company’s costing system, performing the monthly closing for Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc. and The Nethercutt Collection and issuance of timely financial statements which comply with generally accepted accounting principles.  This position reports to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and manages three direct reports. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Please note that the following job description is not meant to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities and metrics but to highlight key ones).

• Safeguard assets and assure accurate and timely recording of all transactions by implementing and maintaining effective internal controls and segregation of duties within the accounting department and throughout the Company.
• Manage the accuracy and productivity of daily activities of the personnel processing accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash disbursements, cash receipts, fixed assets, payroll and journal entries.
• Analyze the company’s costing system and review potential labor, material and overhead variances monthly.
• Develop, improve and issue timely monthly financial statements for distribution to the Company’s Senior Leadership team.
• Maintain a monthly closing checklist and close the month within twenty calendar days.
• Interact with the Company’s outside audit firm, lenders and other service providers as necessary.
• Complete and file the appropriate sales and use tax, personal property tax and real property tax filings on behalf of the Company by the specific due dates.
• Provide leadership, direction and motivation to the accounting staff.
• Mentor and coach the accounting staff to create a high performing team.
• Develop, plan and manage the accounting department’s annual budget.
• Support the CFO with timely information and analysis, as needed.
• Any other tasks that may be assigned from time to time to meet company goals

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
• 3-5 plus years related experience.
• Audit experience is a plus.
• Experience working with an ERP.
• Ability to perform balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement analysis required.
• Knowledge of accounting methods, GAAP, auditing standards, basic tax law, and general ledger functions.
• Manufacturing/Retail experience.
• Good problem solver.
• Hands-on role. 
• Ability to work cooperatively both within and outside of the company.
• Skilled in managing a diverse team, prioritizing work activities, evaluating performance, and providing the appropriate level of direction. 

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have excellent technical skills, proficiency in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel) and general computer skills.   Prefer experience working with SYSPRO’s ERP solutions, and familiarity with accounting systems such as Sage/Platinum Premier Ledger, FRX Reporting and Best Fixed Asset Software.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Manages an A/P, and Accounting Manager.  Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Beauty is more than skin deep at Merle Norman Cosmetics. We develop, manufacture and distribute our own full line of innovative skin care, makeup and color cosmetics right here in Los Angeles. It’s our mission to help people everywhere look and feel their very best. We achieve this by creating strong bonds between our employees, franchisees and customers. Together, we represent a brand of opportunity and personal expression. When you join Merle Norman, you join a family. Become part of something beautiful today.