Controller

Controller
Location: Louisville, KY Area
Compensation: $100,000 + discretionary bonus
Schedule: Primarily in-office, with some flexibility

The Opportunity
A well-established, multi-location retail organization is seeking an experienced Controller to lead its accounting and financial operations. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity within a lean corporate environment supporting a sizable, multi-unit operating business.

The Controller will oversee the day-to-day accounting function while serving as a key financial resource to senior leadership and ownership. In addition to ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, this individual will manage cash flow and debt obligations, oversee budgeting and forecasting, evaluate capital expenditures, and provide financial insight to support business decisions.

The organization has established accounting processes and a smooth close, making this an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys maintaining a strong financial operation while working closely with an experienced leadership team.

Candidates with experience in multi-unit retail, hospitality, or another transaction-intensive, multi-location business are strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:
Accounting & Financial Operations

• Oversee the organization's accounting function and maintain appropriate accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Manage the monthly financial close and ensure timely, accurate financial statements.
• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
• Maintain the general ledger and chart of accounts.
• Oversee bank and third-party reconciliations.
• Record and reconcile payroll activity within the general ledger.
• Ensure debt and other financial obligations are paid accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain organized accounting records and documentation.
• Oversee certain outsourced accounting and financial functions.

Financial Planning & Business Partnership

• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Monitor actual performance against budget and communicate significant variances to leadership.
• Develop financial and operating metrics to help management evaluate business performance.
• Manage cash flow and provide leadership with visibility into the company's liquidity and financial position.
• Monitor debt levels and covenant compliance.
• Conduct financial analysis related to capital investments and other business decisions.
• Help leadership assess the financial feasibility and expected impact of capital projects, renovations, and other investments.
• Serve as a trusted financial resource to senior management and ownership.

Compliance & Reporting

• Coordinate information and documentation required by external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with applicable financial reporting requirements and tax filings.
• Maintain financial controls across a multi-location operating environment.
• Support accurate tracking of capital and development costs associated with new locations and other investments.

Leadership

• Provide oversight and direction to accounting support staff.
• Work cross-functionally with operations and senior leadership to resolve day-to-day financial and accounting matters.
• Balance high-level financial responsibilities with the willingness to remain hands-on when needed in a lean corporate environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Approximately 8+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including significant responsibility for financial reporting and accounting operations.
• Previous Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Experience within a multi-location retail, hospitality, food & beverage, similar operating environment is highly desirable.
• Comfortable operating in a small, hands-on corporate team where responsibilities can extend beyond a traditional Controller role