Controller

CONTROLLER

Florida-Based Wholesale Distributor · Orlando, FL · On-Site · $89,000–$95,000

ABOUT THE ROLE

A well-established, Florida-based wholesale distributor specializing in construction and industrial supply is seeking a Controller to step into a high-trust, high-impact finance role. This position is the result of a long-tenured Controller retiring after dedicating a significant portion of her career to the company. The incoming Controller will have the unique opportunity to train directly alongside her, absorb well-developed systems and institutional knowledge, and then take full ownership of the function.

This is not a seat-warmer role — it's a career-defining opportunity for a finance professional with strong accounting fundamentals, wholesale/distribution experience, and the ambition to grow with a stable, owner-led company. The Controller will report directly to the part-time CFO and the company owner, and will eventually have the opportunity to supervise and develop the accounting staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Month-End Close & Financial Reporting

• Own the full month-end close process, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting across all branches.
• Prepare and deliver accurate monthly financials to the external CPA/accounting firm.
• Manage cash flow, collections, and accounts receivable/payable oversight.

Tax Compliance & Regulatory Filings

• Handle multi-jurisdictional sales and use tax filings — monthly and annual — in full compliance with Florida state requirements.
• Manage the annual compliance calendar: tangible taxes, business license renewals, alarm certifications, and other regulatory filings for all locations.
• Research IRS and state regulations independently to ensure books are always audit-ready for the external CPA.

Payroll & HR Financial Functions

• Support payroll processing and related HR financial functions as needed.
• Identify and resolve payroll discrepancies and system adjustments as needed.

ERP & Systems Management

• Navigate and manage accounting data within the company's ERP system (comparable to SAP or similar distribution ERP).
• Identify discrepancies in financial data and independently drive them to resolution.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with branch managers, operations leadership, CFO, and company owner on accounting questions, PO flows, and inventory-related matters.
• Over time, take on expanded responsibilities and modernize financial processes using AI and automation tools.

REQUIREMENTS

Must-Haves

• 5–10 years of accounting or finance experience.
• Background in wholesale distribution, supply chain management, construction/industrial supply, or any inventory- and PO-driven business. It's all about inventory. It's all about the product. It's all about the flow.
• Deep understanding of cost-of-goods-sold (COGS) and inventory-based accounting — not services or consulting accounting.
• Proven experience managing multi-jurisdictional sales and use tax filings.
• ERP system experience (SAP or comparable platform).
• Advanced Excel proficiency.
• Strong ethical foundation — able to push back when needed and stand firm on financial integrity.
• Committed and reliable — no frequent job-hopping.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.

Nice-to-Haves

• CPA or CMA certification, or actively pursuing one.
• Familiarity with Paylocity or a comparable payroll platform.
• Experience with distribution ERP systems.
• Experience with AI and automation tools in an accounting context.
• Multi-branch accounting experience.
• History of independently owning a full month-end close.

PERSONALITY & TRAITS

Traits That Thrive Here

• Humble & eager to learn continuously.
• Strong ethical backbone — will fight for what's right.
• Collaborative team player across all departments.
• Self-driven about their own professional growth.
• Committed and reliable — in it for the long term.

Traits That Don't Work Here

• Frequent job-hopping with no clear trajectory.
• Passive — waits to be told exactly what to do.
• No experience with inventory/COGS accounting.
• Pure services or consulting-only background.

WHY THIS ROLE?

• Clear successor track — grow into full Controller ownership and beyond.
• Direct mentorship from a long-tenured Controller with strong systems already in place.
• High-trust, high-visibility role with direct access to the CFO and company owner.
• Opportunity to modernize a growing company's finance function using AI and automation.
• Stable, established Florida distributor with a committed, long-tenured team and defined growth plans.

COMPENSATION & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Base Salary: $89,000 – $95,000 based on experience.
• Bonus: Performance bonus.
• Work Model: Fully on-site — Orlando, FL.
• Travel: Minimal.
• Start: ASAP — training overlaps with current Controller.