Job Title: Controller Reports To: President/CEO *In person, Eau Claire, WI* The Controller plays a critical leadership role in overseeing the organization’s financial operations and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting. This position is responsible for managing accounting and budgeting functions, developing internal controls, preparing financial statements, and supporting strategic decision-making. The Controller will collaborate closely with senior leadership to drive financial performance, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and implement best practices in financial management.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Financial Reporting: Prepare and analyze financial statements for internal and external use.
Budgeting and Forecasting: Develop and manage the company’s budget, including forecasting revenue and expenses.
Accounting Operations: Oversee all aspects of accounting, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and rebate programs.
Credit: Set direction for establishing credit terms and collections.
Compliance: Ensure the company complies with all relevant financial regulations, tax laws, and accounting standards.
Fixed Asset Management: Oversee fixed asset accounting, including capitalization, depreciation, disposals, and reconciliations to ensure compliance with GAAP and internal policies.
Audits: Coordinate and manage internal and external audits.
Financial Analysis: Analyze financial data to identify trends, assess performance, and support decision-making.
Team Management: Lead and mentor the accounting team, providing guidance and support.
Reporting: Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports. Communicate financial information to senior management and key stakeholders, including the Board of Directors.
Risk Management: Implement and monitor internal controls to mitigate financial risk.
Strategic Planning: Contribute to the development of financial strategies and plans. Communicate strategic initiatives and impact to improve interdepartmental collaboration.
Tax Compliance: Ensure accurate and timely filing of tax returns and compliance with tax regulations.
System Optimization: Collaborate with IT and cross-functional teams to optimize ERP system utilization through financial reporting capabilities and create automation solutions that improve data accuracy and operational efficiency.
Banking: Maintain banking relationships, source funding, oversee ratios and other covenants, manage line of credit.
Cash-flow Management: Strategically manage cash flow, working capital, and financing initiatives to strengthen liquidity, support scalability and support long-term financial resilience.
Retirement Plan: Administer company retirement plan.
External Relations: Manage strategic relationships with financial institutions and advisory partners to oversee banking operations, negotiate lines of credit, and ensure compliance with ratios and renewals.
Leadership: Lead and mentor the accounting department while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement to drive high outcomes across the team.
Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and up to date accounting records.
Other duties as assigned.
Work Relationships and Scope The Controller works as a resource person for all department leaders. The scope of this position is being responsible for all financial aspects of the company, with the responsibility directed toward the profit of the company. This position also regularly reports on financial condition to senior management and key stakeholders.
Performance Measures
Service to the satisfaction of users, both internal and external. Timely, courteous and accurate results in carrying out assigned responsibilities.
Maintain the company’s capacity to borrow funds at competitive rates.
Manage the budgeting process to ensure fiscal responsibility by the management team.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
Bachelor’s degree in accounting and minimum 7-10 years of relevant experience required. CPA license and/or experience working at a public accounting firm highly preferred.
Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting and tax regulations.
Capable of analyzing financial data, identifying trends and making informed decisions.
Ability to lead and motivate a team, manage performance and provide guidance.
Effectively communicate financial information clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences.
Ability to identify and resolve financial issues and challenges.
Capacity to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively and meet deadlines.
Proficient in accounting software and other relevant technologies. NetSuite experience is a plus.
Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and the ability to ensure compliance.
Working Conditions Work is generally performed in a typical interior office environment. Normal hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and may vary depending on needs of the business, special projects, etc. Casual to professional attire as outlined by company policy.
