Controller

THE COMPANY

Our client is a leading vertically integrated agribusiness, specializing in growing, packaging, and the global distribution of premium fresh produce. As a top-ranked player in the industry, they manage a high-volume, time-sensitive supply chain, ensuring that their products reach global markets while maintaining the highest standards of freshness, quality, and food safety. With growing operational cold storage facilities, a robust international logistics network, and a commitment to operational excellence, they continue to expand their footprint in both domestic and international markets.

THE POSITION

We have been retained to lead a confidential search for a Controller who will play a critical role in strengthening the company’s financial infrastructure while bringing greater discipline and visibility to day-to-day financial operations and supporting its next phase of growth. Reporting directly to the CFO, this individual will oversee the accounting, tax, and treasury functions across multiple entities, ensuring financial accuracy, compliance, and operational discipline.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of financial reporting, including monthly closes, financial statements, and audits
• Oversee compliance with all regulatory and fiscal requirements, ensuring zero contingencies
• Manage internal and external audit processes and relationships

Tax & Treasury Management

• Lead tax planning and compliance efforts, including familiarity with agricultural tax frameworks (e.g., AGAPES)
• Manage treasury operations, including cash flow, liquidity, and working capital optimization
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with banking partners and financial institutions

Operational Finance & Controls

• Implement and strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and procedures
• Drive process improvements to increase efficiency, visibility, and scalability
• Support ERP implementation and continuous improvement of financial systems
• Ensure proper execution of day-to-day transactional processes, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and issue resolution across the business

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, develop, and mentor teams across accounting, tax, and treasury functions
• Build a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement within the finance organization
• Ensure proper structure and alignment across a team of ~15–17 professionals

Business Partnership

• Partner closely with the CFO and senior leadership in financial analysis and decision-making
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, sales, logistics, and HR to support business objectives
• Act as a key liaison with auditors, tax advisors, banks, and regulatory authorities

SUCCESS METRICS

• Timely and accurate financial reporting
• Full tax and regulatory compliance with no contingencies
• Effective cash flow and liquidity management
• Successful audit outcomes
• Strengthening of internal controls and financial processes
• Development and stability of the finance team

THE CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a hands-on financial leader who thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments and brings the operational mindset required to support a dynamic agro-industrial business. This individual combine strong technical expertise across accounting, tax, and treasury with a highly execution-oriented approach, capable of building structure, strengthening controls, and actively supporting day-to-day operations. They are proactive, solutions-driven, and comfortable stepping in to resolve issues when needed, while also elevating the function to support the company’s continued growth.
Experience

• Prior experience as a Controller or in a senior finance role with hands-on responsibility
• Experience within agro-industrial, produce, food, or similar operationally intensive environments preferred
• Experience in high-growth or scaling organizations
• Exposure to multi-entity environments is a plus

Technical & Operational Expertise

• Strong knowledge of accounting, financial reporting, tax, and treasury functions
• Experience implementing and strengthening internal controls and financial processes
• Solid understanding of cash flow management, liquidity, and banking relationships
• ERP system experience required; implementation experience is a strong plus
• Familiarity with agricultural tax frameworks (AGAPES) preferred

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

• Proven ability to lead, develop, and structure finance teams
• Strong cross-functional collaboration with operations, sales, and leadership teams
• Clear communication and ability to influence decision-making
• Hands-on leadership style with strong execution focus

Personal Attributes & Availability

• High sense of ownership, urgency, and accountability
• Ability to operate effectively in dynamic, fast-paced environments
• Strong problem-solving and organizational capabilities
• Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable navigating ambiguity

Preferred Qualifications

• Functional English (ability to understand and communicate in business settings)
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Experience in agro-industrial or produce-related businesses highly preferred