Retail Industry Controller

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Retail Industry Controller based in the United States.

This is a hands-on Controller role supporting a portfolio of retail businesses and their leadership teams.

You’ll act as a trusted financial advisor, bringing clarity to accounting, operations, margins, inventory, and cash flow.

The role combines full-cycle accounting ownership with strategic analysis and operational problem-solving.

You’ll work closely with business presidents and employee-owners to turn financial information into practical decisions.

A key part of the position is improving systems, controls, reporting, and processes across dynamic retail environments.

You’ll manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting where initiative, adaptability, and sound judgment are highly valued.

This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the financial health and long-term success of growing small businesses.

Accountabilities

• Serve as a trusted financial advisor to multiple retail business leaders, tailoring financial insights and recommendations to their operational needs.
• Apply retail expertise to support cost control, product margin analysis, vendor management, inventory forecasting, and profitability improvement.
• Translate complex accounting and financial information into clear, actionable recommendations for both short- and long-term decisions.
• Lead full-cycle accounting activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, inventory accounting, revenue recognition, and payroll.
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes, including reconciliations, accruals, fixed assets, deferred revenue, and related adjustments.
• Oversee inventory accounting, valuation, shrinkage controls, multi-location stock management, and seasonal adjustments.
• Maintain 13-week cash flow forecasts and recommend strategies to optimize working capital and liquidity.
• Prepare trial balances, variance analyses, dashboards, KPIs, and other financial reporting for leadership teams.
• Support budgeting, quarterly planning, and longer-term strategic initiatives by providing reliable financial analysis.
• Identify and implement improvements across accounting systems, POS integrations, reporting workflows, and financial processes.
• Strengthen internal controls and document procedures tailored to retail operations.
• Use tools such as QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, OneStream, Gusto, Asana, Excel, and POS platforms to manage and improve financial operations.
• Work independently across multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of accuracy, documentation, and accountability.
• Collaborate with accounting, finance, and business stakeholders to resolve issues, improve processes, and support employee-owned businesses.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline; CPA qualification is preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in a Controller or Senior Accounting position.
• Proven experience in retail accounting, ideally supporting multi-location operations and inventory-intensive businesses.
• Experience working with small to medium-sized businesses; fractional, outsourced, or multi-client accounting experience is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and full-cycle accounting principles.
• Proficiency with QuickBooks Online, POS systems, and Microsoft Excel, with familiarity with NetSuite and OneStream preferred.
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting, revenue recognition, cash flow forecasting, reconciliations, accruals, and financial reporting.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a practical approach to resolving complex accounting issues.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain financial concepts clearly to non-financial audiences.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Self-directed and resourceful, with the ability to navigate new systems and situations without needing step-by-step instructions.
• Comfortable working in a remote environment and collaborating with diverse stakeholders across multiple businesses.
• A proactive mindset and willingness to identify inefficiencies, improve processes, and take ownership through implementation.
• High tolerance for ambiguity and change, combined with sound judgment, reliability, and a commitment to accuracy.
• A collaborative and service-oriented approach, with a focus on integrity, initiative, continuous improvement, thoughtfulness, and dependability.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 100% employer-paid coverage for employees and dependents on most plans.
• 15 vacation days.
• 19 paid company holidays.
• 5 paid sick days.
• 1 floating holiday of your choice.
• Ongoing professional development and access to experienced accounting, finance, and small-business experts.
• Opportunity to support employee ownership and contribute directly to the success of small businesses.
• Remote work environment with the flexibility and autonomy to manage your responsibilities.
• Collaborative culture centered on integrity, humility, initiative, and continuous improvement.