Controller reporting directly to the Founder/CEO for $30 million company five days a week in office in Los Alamitos - $150-175k
Our client is the premier supplier of specialty consumer goods within their space. The company operates both as a distributor and as a direct to consumer platform through e-commerce.
As a privately owned company, the organization has built a reputation for exceptional customer service, operational excellence, and an unwavering passion for its customer community. The company continues to grow while maintaining the entrepreneurial culture that has made it an industry leader.
Position Summary:
Our client is seeking an experienced and hands-on Controller to lead the company's accounting and financial operations. Reporting directly to the Founder and CEO, the Controller will serve as the senior accounting leader responsible for ensuring the integrity of the company's financial reporting, strengthening internal controls, improving accounting processes, and partnering with leadership to support continued growth.
This is a highly visible role for an individual who enjoys being both strategic and hands-on. The ideal candidate will thrive in an entrepreneurial environment, possess exceptional operational accounting skills, and have experience within inventory-intensive businesses such as manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, retail, or e-commerce.
This position is based at the company's headquarters in Los Alamitos, California, and requires an onsite presence five days per week,
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all day-to-day accounting operations, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and month-end close.
- Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
- Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and maintain strong accounting policies and internal controls.
- Serve as the primary liaison with tax advisors and banking partners.
- Oversee inventory accounting, costing, purchasing transactions, and inventory reconciliations.
- Monitor cash flow, working capital, and financial performance while providing meaningful analysis to executive leadership.
- Develop and improve accounting processes, workflows, and internal controls to increase efficiency and scalability.
- Partner with operations, purchasing, warehouse management, and executive leadership to improve profitability and operational performance.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across accounting systems and financial reporting.
- Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning.
- Evaluate and optimize ERP utilization while identifying opportunities for automation and process improvements.
- Mentor, develop, and lead the accounting team while fostering a collaborative, accountable culture.
- Perform special projects and financial analysis as requested by the CEO
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
- 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership as a Controller or Assistant Controller.
- Experience within manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, retail, automotive, consumer products, or e-commerce environments strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of inventory accounting, cost accounting, and operational finance.
- Thorough knowledge of U.S. GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting.
- ERP systems experience required; experience improving systems and processes is highly desirable.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Excellent communication and leadership abilities with the confidence to interact directly with ownership and executive leadership.
- Hands-on, detail-oriented, and willing to roll up your sleeves when necessary.