Assistant Controller

Cadwell; Kennewick (WA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Cadwell Industries, Inc. is seeking an Assistant Controller to lead critical accounting functions under the Director of Finance & Accounting.

The role focuses on general ledger integrity, month-end and year-end close, reconciliations, payroll accounting, tax compliance, internal controls, and support for external audits. You will provide technical accounting oversight, review work of team members, drive process improvements, and ensure GAAP-compliant financial reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance is required.
• 6–8+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience with audits and external reporting.
• Payroll, sales and use tax, and automated tax systems like Avalara preferred.
• Manufacturing or complex operations experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities and resolve issues.
• Prepare balance sheet reconciliations and complex journal entries.
• Maintain general ledger integrity and analyze unusual transactions.
• Oversee payroll accounting and employee expense processes.
• Prepare and file sales/use tax and B&O tax filings.
• Support cash management, bank reconciliations, and forecasting inputs.
• Coordinate with external auditors and prepare audit schedules.
• Improve internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Support census filings and regulatory filings.
• Assist cross-functional teams to resolve accounting matters.

Skills

General ledger

Month-end close

Journal entries

Payroll accounting

Tax compliance

Internal controls

Financial reporting

US GAAP

Audit support

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

CPA (preferred)

Tools

Avalara

Concur

ERP systems

Job description

The Assistant Controller is responsible for supporting the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of the Company’s accounting and financial reporting processes. This role serves as a senior accounting leader and key partner to the Director of Finance & Accounting, with significant responsibility for the general ledger, month‑end and year‑end close, account reconciliations, journal entry review and approval, payroll accounting, tax compliance, internal controls, cash management, and external audit activities.

This role provides technical accounting oversight and review across the accounting function, helping ensure transactions are appropriately recorded, financial statements are supported in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and accounting processes operate effectively and consistently. While this position does not have direct reports, it is expected to provide accounting leadership, review the work of other accounting team members, identify issues, drive resolution, and establish strong standards for accounting execution and financial controls.

Key Duties / Responsibilities

• Lead key components of the monthly, quarterly, and annual close, monitoring deliverables, resolving issues, and escalating significant matters to the Director of Finance & Accounting.
• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations and complex journal entries, including accruals, adjustments, reclassifications, payroll, and deferrals.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and trial balance; investigate unusual transactions, misclassifications, and significant account fluctuations.
• Oversee payroll accounting and employee expense processes, including accrued payroll, Concur activity, and corporate credit card reconciliations.
• Prepare and review sales and use tax and B&O tax filings, reconciling Avalara activity to the general ledger.
• Support cash management, including bank reconciliations, cash monitoring, and forecasting inputs.
• Serve as the primary accounting contact for external audits, preparing schedules and maintaining audit‑ready documentation.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting procedures, and documentation standards; research U.S. GAAP treatment for new or complex transactions.
• Partner with Finance, Operations, Procurement, Sales, and HR to resolve accounting matters and improve process accuracy and efficiency; provide technical guidance to accounting team members.
• Support accounting system enhancements, regulatory and census filings, special projects, and other duties as assigned.
• Perform monthly account reconciliations and resolve discrepancies to ensure all balances are fully supported and compliant with internal standards
• Support the month‑end and year‑end close process, including variance analysis and preparation of supporting schedules
• Support cash and banking activities, including reconciliations, transaction monitoring, and cash forecasting input
• Oversee payroll accounting and employee expense processes, including review of payroll entries, Concur expense approvals, and credit card reconciliations
• Prepare and support sales and use tax and B&O tax filings, including reconciliation of Avalara outputs to the general ledger
• Serve as a key point of contact for external and internal audits, preparing audit schedules, responding to requests, and ensuring timely, accurate delivery of support
• Maintain strong internal controls and documentation standards, ensuring all financial activity is properly supported and audit‑ready
• Drive process improvements and the development of scalable accounting procedures and policies
• Complete all federal and state census filings
• Perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required; CPA or active progress toward CPA preferred.
• 6–8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including general ledger, reconciliations, journal entries, and month‑end close.
• Experience reviewing others’ accounting work and supporting or leading external audits.
• Experience with payroll accounting, sales and use tax, B&O tax, and automated tax systems such as Avalara preferred.
• Manufacturing or similarly complex operating environment preferred.

Job Knowledge / Requirements

• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; able to identify accounting issues and drive them to resolution.
• Works independently with sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Clear, professional communicator across departments and levels; proficient with Microsoft Office, Google applications, and ERP/accounting systems.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• General office environment with extensive computer use; may require occasional lifting up to 20 pounds and other routine physical activity.
• Occasional travel and work outside normal business hours may be required to meet business needs.

Cadwell Industries, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department at [e-mail].

As set forth in Cadwell’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Salary Range

$105,000 - $150,000 USD