Controller

THE COMPANY

Our client is a privately owned growing beverage and bottling manufacturing and distribution company with a diverse group of consumer brand market leaders in their categories. Our client is seeking a Controller for their operation in Milton (12547), New York. 

The ideal candidate is a hands-on Controller with Manufacturing or Distribution experience. This position is based in upstate New York – Putnam, Dutchess, and Hudson County. The Controller is accountable for the overall integrity, accuracy and completeness of this growing beverage and bottling company including the manufacturing operations’ financial results and safeguarding of the plant assets.

The Controller will lead the local Finance/Accounting Department efficiently in a dynamic environment. The individual must be capable of effectively managing the operational finance, general accounting, fiscal, and business needs of the plant.  Reporting to the CFO/Director of Finance, the Controller is responsible for managing all accounting activities, including establishing financial policies and procedures, timely and accurate submission of monthly financial results and gross margin forecasts as well as supporting business unit initiatives as appropriate. This position requires experience managing accounting teams, strong knowledge of US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and the ability to perform in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Monthly / Quarterly financial reporting (P+L and Balance Sheet).
• Manage preparation of accurate and timely monthly financials.
• Ensure monthly close meeting review is robust and complete.
• Primary owner of Gross Margin budget vs actual analysis / commentary.
• Prepare and submit supplemental reports.
• Prepare and present quarterly accounting dashboard to Leadership Team.
• Monthly financial forecasting and Strategic Planning.
• Partner with FP&A team on Revenue and shipment units.
• Partner with leadership team to evaluate potential changes in the following: functional spending, monthly build plans & absorption, and manufacturing variances / period expenses.
• Review and update Standard Costs.
• Primary owner of quarterly FP&A, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow forecasts.
• Business Partner Support.
• Attend Operations Management team meetings to understand current operating activity and any upcoming opportunities or challenges that may impact the BU’s financial results.
• Partner with site Operations Management to develop cost reduction and supply chain improvement strategies to meet short and long-term objectives of the business.
• Review all CAPEX requests and facilitate all necessary management approvals.
• Review inventory PO’s and facilitate corporate management approvals.
• Provide counsel on accounting treatment for new or non-standard commercial arrangements
• Partner with leadership to drive all business-related initiatives impacting accounting including new commercial programs and compliance related customer service programs.
• Transactional accounting.
• Review / approve AP payments to third party and intercompany vendors.
• Compliance and Other Corporate Support.
• Manage Accounting functions, including GL, AP, and Cost Accounting.
• Manage and develop staff members and assist in the development of the extended staff members.
• Maintain compliance with principles of accepted employee conduct and ethics per Company policy and as specified in departmental policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Contribute to the Company culture of being collaborative, respectful, transparent, ethical, efficient, high-achieving, and fun!

THE CANDIDATE:
Qualifications, Essential Skills, & Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; or equivalent practical experience.
• Master’s degree and professional accountancy certification preferred.
• At least ten years of manufacturing finance experience highly preferred.
• At least ten years of experience managing a financial structure. (i.e. Controller, Sr. Finance Manager)
• Excellent knowledge of US GAAP.
• Proficiency using robust ERP systems with an emphasis on application to finance administration.
• Proficient in personal productivity applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• High degree of initiative to understand results, forecasts, and future planning.
• Solid understanding of theory, principles, and practices of general finance, accounting, budgeting, financial planning, FP&A and cost accounting as applied to reporting and planning.
• Strong leadership and communications skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relations with team members.
• Working knowledge of lean principles preferred.