Controller - Manufacturing And Distribution

Kreischer Miller's Human Capital Resources group takes a highly personalized and collaborative approach to executive recruiting. We work directly with owners of privately-held and family-owned companies to help build their leadership teams. Our goal is to find the best fit for your organization – top-tier executives who will make an immediate and long-term positive impact on your company. Our Human Capital Resources group has a proven track record of locating talented senior-level executives. We are proud to be a perennial name on Philadelphia Business Journal’s list of Top 10 Retained Search Firms.

Summary

Our client is a 60 year old privately held manufacturer and distributor of rain and beach umbrellas and beach accessories.. Their products are sold to the nation’s leading retailers, as well as online and direct to consumer. They also sell internationally throughout North America, Latin America and Europe.

They have experienced steady growth and in conjunction with the retirement of their long-term Controller, our client is looking to hire their next hands-on Controller to manage and own the financial reporting, accounting, bookkeeping and finance functions, along with a specific issues related to its retail customers including chargebacks, slotting fees and dilution.

While this position is a hands-on role, the Controller will help the company continue to scale, through operational excellence and process development and improvement. The Controller will oversee a team of three and be intimately involved in payables, in house payroll, receivables, and treasury management. . There is a tremendous opportunity to automate processes and upgrade technology system utilization to enhance productivity.

This company’s culture defines traditional Philadelphia manufacturing with exceptionally low turnover and warm friendly environment. The entire company has a roll up the sleeves attitude, that Philly-grit and is on site 5 days a week.

This position requires a passionate, operationally focused Controller to be part of the key management team who possesses excellent financial management skills, is detailed and meticulous, is highly responsive, works collaboratively with others, and is experienced in financial reporting, multiple entities and inventory

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with throughout the organization
• Develop annual financial statements
• The current MAS 90/Sage system is underutilized and can be used to improve accuracy and efficiency
• With the accounting team, there will be tactical responsibilities including bank reconciliations, receivables, payables, payroll, etc.
• Supervise accounting department to assure compliance with all company reporting and tax requirements; efficient processes and adequate internal controls; maintain positive relationship with outside accountants; closing the books on time; assist with annual tax return preparation
• Develop for the business owner a monthly budget to actual reports; recommend initiatives to control operating costs without disrupting business operations
• Advise the owner of financial concerns and ideas to enhance outcomes, processes, and financial operations of the company
• Assist with preparing the annual budget; provide progress reporting to the owner
• Responsible for special projects that may arise
• Responsible for the accuracy of financial reporting for the business general ledger, cost accounting, payroll, and tax compliance; oversee cash balances; Month-end and year-end close processes; generate internal and external financial reporting in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; and meet the financial reporting deadlines required by business owner

Position Requirements

• Financial analysis and strategic thinking a plus
• Bachelors’ degree in Business or Accounting, Finance, Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting or related field
• Minimum 5-8 years of financial reporting/financial management/accounting experience, preferably in positions of increasing responsibility
• Public accounting experience is a plus
• MAS 90/Sage experience is preferred
• Desire for long term position with a growth company
• Need experience with international manufacturing
• Must possess uncompromising morals, ethics, and integrity
• Experience in general ledger, month-end/year end close and review/audit processes, and reporting
• Strong working knowledge of financial reporting