Assistant Controller

Assistant Controller

Nelson Irrigation | Walla Walla, WA (On-site)

About Nelson Irrigation

Nelson Irrigation designs and manufactures precision agricultural irrigation products used by growers on six continents. A family-owned company, we combine the stability of an established US manufacturer with the culture of a business where every team member is an asset. We're looking for an Assistant Controller to help lead our administration team as we continue to grow and thrive.

Why Walla Walla

Beyond the role itself, Walla Walla offers a quality of life that's hard to beat: a charming, walkable downtown filled with independent restaurants, wineries, bakeries; a real four-season climate; and easy access to the Blue Mountains for hiking, skiing, hunting, fishing, and camping. It's a community where people know their neighbors, commutes are short, housing is affordable relative to major metro cities, and there's a genuine sense of small-town warmth paired with big-city culinary and cultural offerings. Many who relocate here for a job end up staying for the life they build.

About the Role

The Administration team’s primary responsibilities are to understand, process and manage operational and accounting functions. The team does this by: 1) managing day-to-day financial operations; 2) preparing and monitoring budgets; 3) reporting financial results in the form of financial statements; 4) Provide timely answers regarding queries; 5) Monitor all financial activity to prevent errors such as fraud or theft.

The Nelson Administration team is required to build/maintain good working relationships with customers, suppliers and Nelson employees at all levels within the organization. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, will be used to both understand needs/requirements. Our objective is to provide accurate information that will assist both internal and external customers in the decision-making process.

The day-to-day work environment is moderate to high pressure, and the nature of the business is somewhat seasonal and cyclical, so flexibility and adaptability to different work functions is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Accounting and Business Operations

• Assist with month-end closing and preparation of internal monthly financial statements.
• Ensure all financial practices comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and regulatory guidelines.
• Establish, monitor, and enforce internal control systems to protect company assets and mitigate financial risks.
• Assist with preparation of information for external auditors.
• Assist with preparation of tax returns and compliance with local, state, and federal tax laws.
• Assist with treasury management functions as needed.
• Verify and investigate financial discrepancies, if any, and assist with necessary corrective actions.
• Become proficient in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software and reporting/business intelligence (BI) tools.
• Monitor ERP activities and identify issues. Investigate and take corrective action as needed.
• Assist with operational and financial process improvement initiatives.
• Assist with fixed asset management and oversight of physical inventory accounting procedures.
• Serve as back-up for other positions and perform other duties as assigned.

Business Planning, Analysis & Reporting

• Assist in developing detailed financial, statistical, budgetary, and analytical studies and reports.
• Maintain complex Microsoft Excel models focused on monthly results, short- and long-term planning, and project analysis.
• Assist in responding to inquiries from department managers, employees, governmental agencies, contractors, and others regarding operational and financial matters.
• Collect and compile data and other information for management reports.
• Assist with cost accounting function and capital expenditure analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education level, with an emphasis in Accounting, Finance, or related business field.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in related field(s), manufacturing experience a plus.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP software, background in paperless office administration a plus.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, build trust, and drive organizational change.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with family-owned or similarly mission-driven organizations a plus.
• Detail-oriented with exceptional level of accuracy, follow through and organizational skills.
• Willingness and ability to work in both office and production environments.

What We Offer

• Salary Range: $95,000 to $135,000 per year
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with the majority of premiums paid for you and your family
• Flexible time off and seven paid holidays
• 401k with a total 4% company match and profit sharing
• Relocation assistance
• Fitness membership
• A collaborative, stable work environment in a growing company
• The chance to live in one of the Pacific Northwest's most livable small cities

Equal Opportunity Employer

Nelson Irrigation Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Profit sharing
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person