Assistant Controller

Brick Executive Search; Illinois; On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading search firm is seeking an experienced Assistant Controller for a fast-fashion women's footwear and outerwear company. The role involves overseeing accounting operations, including accounts receivable and payable, and ensuring accurate financial reporting. Ideal candidates will have at least 7 years in accounting, with strong inventory management skills and advanced Excel proficiency. This position requires collaboration across departments and a solid understanding of accounting processes in a high-volume environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of accounting experience preferred in wholesale footwear/apparel or retail.
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting and cost of goods sold.
• Proven ability to improve processes and implement controls.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day accounting functions including AR and AP.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition and inventory accounting.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with various teams.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strong communication skills

Operational mindset

Attention to detail

Team management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

NetSuite

Advanced Excel

Job description

Brick Executive Search is working as the exclusive Search Firm for a Fast Fashion womens, wholesale footwear and outerwear company . The company is expanding its Finace funtional area as the company is growing rapidly .

Position Overview

Seeking a highly analytical and operationally minded Assistant Controller to support and oversee the company’s accounting operations. This role will manage the day-to-day accounting functions, including AR, AP, and the monthly close process, while ensuring accurate, timely financial reporting and strong internal controls.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience, a strong operational background, a deep understanding of inventory in wholesale and or CPG/retail environments, and demonstrated experience managing a small team. This role requires strong systems expertise and the ability to partner cross-functionally to improve processes and drive financial visibility across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations

• Responsible for Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable functions
• Manage and execute the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition, inventory accounting, and expense accruals
• Maintain integrity of the general ledger and supporting workpapers
• Review journal entries, reconciliations, and financial schedules

Inventory & Retail Accounting

• Ensure accurate inventory accounting across stores and eCommerce
• Oversee inventory reconciliations, reserves, and shrink analysis
• Partner with operations and merchandising on inventory controls and reporting
• Support COGS analysis and gross margin reporting
• Prepare monthly financial statements and supporting schedules
• Perform detailed variance analysis (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow)
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities in financial performance
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes

Team Management

• Review work for accuracy and completeness

Systems & Process Improvement

• Lead accounting system improvements and automation initiatives
• Optimize workflows to increase efficiency and reduce errors
• Ensure strong internal controls and documentation of processes
• Partner with IT and operations on system integrations and enhancements

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with operations, merchandising, sales, and eCommerce teams
• Ensure accurate reporting of sales, inventory, and expenses
• Support leadership with ad hoc financial analysis

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA preferred but not required)
• 7+ years of accounting experience, preferably in wholesale footwear/apparel, retail or CPG
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting and cost of goods sold
• Advanced Excel skills; strong ERP/system experience (NetSuite preferred)
• Proven ability to improve processes and implement controls
• Highly analytical with strong attention to detail
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally
• Operational mindset with hands-on execution capability

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Understands high-volume transactional environments
• Has built or improved accounting processes
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial company
• Balances strategic thinking with strong execution