Assistant Controller

Mackie Myers; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits package

Job summary

Mackie Myers in Los Angeles seeks an Assistant Controller to build out the accounting function during a period of growth. You will own the close process, strengthen controls, and implement scalable reporting for a PE-backed environment.

You will lead a small accounting team, collaborate with the VP of Finance, and interface with external auditors, with a hybrid schedule in Los Angeles. CPA is required or eligible, with 5-7 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• CPA certification or eligible status.
• 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience in public and private sectors.
• Experience building/strengthening controls and processes in a PE-backed or growth environment.
• Strong US GAAP knowledge and close experience.
• Hybrid work arrangement in Los Angeles (3-4 days onsite).

Responsibilities

• Own monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes to shorten timelines and improve accuracy.
• Design, document, and implement internal controls and accounting policies as the business scales.
• Manage and develop a small accounting staff with hands-on coaching.
• Partner with VP of Finance on process improvements, systems, and reporting automation.
• Act as liaison with external auditors and support the annual audit.
• Review reconciliations, journal entries and general ledger activity for accuracy.
• Support inventory and COGS accounting with operations and supply chain.
• Prepare financial reporting packages for PE sponsor and exec leadership.
• Document technical accounting positions for new/complex transactions.

Skills

CPA (active/eligible)

US GAAP proficient

Financial close management

People leadership

Tools

ERP systems

ERP implementation

Job description

Assistant Controller – Food & Beverage (Los Angeles)

The Opportunity

A private equity-backed food and beverage company based in Los Angeles is hiring an Assistant Controller to help build out its accounting function during an important stage of growth. The business has scaled quickly since being acquired, and leadership is now investing in stronger controls, cleaner processes, and more scalable reporting infrastructure ahead of its next phase of growth.

This is a build role, not a maintenance one. The Assistant Controller will work closely with the VP of Finance to tighten up the close process, strengthen internal controls, and put in place the systems and procedures a business at this scale needs to run cleanly under private equity ownership.

The Role

Reporting to the VP of Finance, the Assistant Controller will own day-to-day accounting operations while playing a lead role in designing and implementing new controls and processes. It's a hands-on seat with real visibility to the finance leadership team and exposure to the PE sponsor.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close process, working to shorten close timelines and improve accuracy
• Design, document, and implement internal controls and accounting policies as the business scales
• Manage and develop a small team of accounting staff, with hands-on coaching and review
• Partner with the VP of Finance on process improvement projects, including systems, close efficiency, and reporting automation
• Act as a key point of contact for external auditors and support the annual audit process
• Review account reconciliations, journal entries, and general ledger activity for accuracy and completeness
• Support inventory and COGS accounting, working closely with operations and supply chain
• Help prepare financial reporting packages for the PE sponsor and executive leadership
• Research and document technical accounting positions as the business encounters new or complex transactions

What We're Looking For

Required:

• CPA (active or eligible)
• 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience, with a mix of public accounting (Big 4 or strong regional firm) and industry
• Experience building or strengthening controls, processes, and procedures, ideally in a growing or PE-backed environment
• Strong technical accounting knowledge (US GAAP) and hands-on general ledger/close experience
• Able to work hybrid, 3-4 days per week, from the company's Los Angeles office

Helpful, not required:

• Consumer products, food and beverage, or CPG industry experience
• Experience reporting to a private equity sponsor or supporting board/audit committee reporting
• ERP implementation or systems improvement experience

Compensation & Location

• Base salary: $150,000-$170,000, commensurate with experience
• Bonus and benefits package
• Los Angeles, CA - hybrid (3-4 days onsite)