Controller

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller / Accounting Manager to lead and professionalize the accounting function for a privately held group of affiliated businesses in South Jersey.

The organization includes operating businesses in commercial truck sales and service, manufacturing/upfitting, automotive services, and affiliated real estate entities.

This is a key leadership position with responsibility for overseeing a multi-entity accounting environment, managing and developing accounting personnel, improving financial reporting, strengthening internal controls, and building scalable accounting processes.

We are not simply looking for someone to maintain the accounting processes currently in place. We are looking for an experienced accounting professional who can evaluate the existing department, identify areas for improvement, develop the team, and build a strong and reliable accounting function.

The position will report directly to executive management and will have meaningful responsibility and authority over the accounting department.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead accounting operations across multiple affiliated entities
• Manage, develop, and evaluate existing accounting personnel
• Assess the current accounting department and recommend appropriate staffing, responsibilities, and organizational changes
• Own monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes
• Prepare and review accurate and timely financial statements
• Oversee general ledger accounting and balance sheet reconciliations
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable accounting, payroll, and cash activity
• Manage intercompany accounting and reconciliations
• Establish consistent accounting policies, procedures, and documentation
• Develop and maintain appropriate internal controls
• Improve accounting systems, workflows, and reporting processes
• Establish standardized close schedules and reporting deadlines
• Coordinate annual budgeting and budget-to-actual reporting
• Maintain cash, debt, fixed asset, and other supporting schedules
• Coordinate with outside CPAs, tax professionals, banks, insurers, payroll providers, and other professional advisors
• Provide executive management with financial reporting and analysis
• Identify accounting deficiencies and lead corrective initiatives
• Develop an accounting department capable of supporting continued organizational growth

Initial Priorities

During the first 6–12 months, this position will have a significant role in evaluating and developing the accounting organization.

Initial priorities will include:

• Assessing existing accounting personnel, systems, workflows, and controls
• Establishing clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability within the accounting department
• Standardizing accounting procedures across entities where appropriate
• Improving the accuracy and timeliness of monthly financial reporting
• Establishing a disciplined monthly close process
• Evaluating current accounting staffing and recommending changes where appropriate
• Improving internal controls and documentation
• Developing cross-training and reducing key-person dependency
• Identifying opportunities for accounting system and workflow improvements
• Recommending the appropriate long-term structure for the accounting department

The successful candidate should be comfortable building and improving a department, rather than simply maintaining an established corporate accounting structure.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• Significant progressive professional accounting experience
• Strong understanding of accrual accounting and financial statement preparation
• Experience owning or substantially leading month-end and year-end close
• Experience supervising and developing accounting personnel
• Strong general ledger and balance sheet reconciliation experience
• Knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, debt, and cash accounting
• Strong Microsoft Excel and accounting system proficiency
• Demonstrated ability to identify problems and implement improved accounting processes
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgment

Preferred:

• Previous Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior Accounting Manager experience
• Multi-entity accounting experience
• Experience with privately held or owner-operated businesses
• Automotive, commercial vehicle, manufacturing, service, distribution, or similar industry experience
• Inventory and cost accounting experience
• Job costing experience
• Experience building or restructuring an accounting department
• Accounting system implementation or process improvement experience
• CPA or CMA designation

CPA or CMA certification is preferred but not required. Relevant accounting leadership experience and demonstrated ability to build and manage an effective accounting function will be strongly considered.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strong accountant who is equally capable as a manager and department builder.

This individual should be comfortable entering an evolving multi-entity environment, learning several businesses, evaluating existing processes and personnel, identifying weaknesses, making recommendations, implementing improvements, and holding the accounting department accountable.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have worked in hands-on private-company accounting environments and understand the difference between managing accounting in a large established corporation and building an effective accounting function within a growing privately held organization.

Compensation

$95,000–$120,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications.

The company is open to candidates at different stages of senior accounting leadership. Title and compensation may ultimately reflect the experience and capabilities of the selected candidate.

Pay: $95,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person