Assistant Controller

Barrett Petfood; Brainerd (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance (company paid)

Dental

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Life insurance

Health savings account

Paid time off

Seven paid holidays

Employee discounts

Complimentary pet food

Company-sponsored events

Job summary

Barrett Petfood is seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to join our team on site in Minnesota. You will ensure accurate financial reporting, manage cost analyses, and support month-end close and audits in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

You will collaborate with multiple departments to provide actionable insights, reconcile accounts, prepare monthly financial statements, and drive continuous improvement while maintaining a culture of safety and integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
• CPA is preferred but not mandatory.
• Minimum 5 years of accounting experience, public accounting preferred.
• Strong cost accounting, inventory accounting and standard costing understanding.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing monthly and annual financial statements per GAAP including journal entries, accruals, reconciliations and variance analysis.
• Analyze manufacturing and labor costs, review overhead and labor absorption rates, and investigate variances.
• Monitor standard costing, support updates and BOM reviews.
• Support external audits and tax filing requirements with documentation and testing.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Problem-solving

Excel proficiency

Cost accounting knowledge

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

Excel

ERP software

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to join our team. This position will play a key role in ensuring accurate financial reporting and efficient accounting operations, as well as completing cost and financial analysis. This exciting role allows you to work onsite, collaborating closely with a passionate team dedicated to innovation and customer-centricity in the manufacturing industry. You'll tackle unique financial challenges, develop strategies, and contribute directly to the company's success in a fun, high-performance environment. With a competitive salary range of $70,000 - $95,000, this position offers not just financial rewards but also the chance to grow in a culture built on integrity and problem‑solving. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact while being part of a dynamic team, this is the ideal opportunity for you.

As the new Assistant Controller at Barrett Petfood, you can expect a dynamic work environment focused on accuracy and collaboration. You will work closely with various departments, providing insights and analyses to drive informed decision‑making. Your role will involve reconciling accounts, preparing monthly financial statements, and assisting in audits while fostering a culture of safety and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing monthly and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP, including journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Analyze manufacturing and labor costs, review overhead and labor absorption rates, and investigate production and purchase price variances.
• Monitor and maintain accurate standard costing and support standard cost updates and BOM review.
• Support external audits and tax filing requirements, ensuring documentation and testing requirements are met.
• Assist in certain accounting functions, including accounts payable, fixed assets, and general ledger management.
• Partner with operations to investigate cost variances and identify root causes and corrective actions.
• Assist with other special accounting projects and general tasks.

Your schedule will be during standard business hours, allowing you to maintain a healthy work‑life balance while engaging with a fun and motivated team. This role will challenge you to grow and excel in a collaborative setting.

Skills

To thrive as an Assistant Controller at Barrett Petfood, you will need a robust skill set that blends technical expertise and interpersonal capabilities. Strong analytical skills are essential, as you will be responsible for interpreting financial data and providing actionable insights. Attention to detail is critical to ensure accuracy and compliance in all financial reporting and budgeting activities. Effective communication skills are vital, as you will collaborate with various teams and present financial information clearly and concisely. Problem‑solving abilities will serve you well in identifying inefficiencies and implementing innovative solutions that align with our customer‑centric approach. A strong foundation in accounting principles and a proactive mindset will also be important. Finally, adaptability and a willingness to learn will empower you to navigate an evolving environment while contributing to Barrett Petfood's mission of high performance and integrity.

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• A good working knowledge of accounting practices and cost accounting.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Strong financial analysis and technical accounting capabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with operations and leadership teams.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance Required
• CPA Preferred
• Minimum 5 years of accounting experience, with a background in public accounting (Preferred)
• Strong understanding of cost accounting, inventory accounting, and standard costing

medical insurance 100% on Us! Great careers start with great benefits!

Benefits

• medical (company paid)
• dental
• vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• life insurance
• health savings account
• paid time off
• seven paid holidays
• employee discounts
• complimentary pet food
• fun, company‑sponsored events

NOTICE - BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Barrett Petfood is committed to a safe workplace for all of our employees.

In connection with your employment with the Company, notice is hereby given that a consumer report and/or investigative consumer report may be obtained from a consumer reporting agency for employment purposes. These reports may contain information about your character, general reputation, personal characteristics and mode of living, whichever are applicable. They may involve personal interviews with sources such as your neighbors, friends or associates. The reports may also contain information about you relating to your criminal history, credit history, driving and/or motor vehicle records, education or employment history or other background checks.

You have the right, upon written request made within a reasonable time after the receipt of this notice, to request disclosure of the nature and scope of any investigative consumer report. The scope of this notice and authorization is not limited to the present and, if you are hired, will continue throughout the course of your employment and allow the Company to conduct future screenings for retention, promotion or reassignment, as permitted by law unless revoked by you in writing.

Salary: $70000 - $95000 per year