Controller

HirefinderRPO; Clifton (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision benefits

Paid time off and company holidays

Performance-based bonus opportunities

Job summary

HirefinderRPO seeks an experienced Controller to lead all accounting and financial operations for a New Jersey-based food distribution company.

The role requires hands-on leadership over general ledger, AR/AP, inventory, payroll, and internal controls, with a focus on accurate financial reporting and process improvements.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a Controller or senior financial leader in a small‑to‑mid sized business.
• Strong GAAP and financial reporting knowledge.
• Experience in food distribution, wholesale or related industries.
• Hands‑on inventory management and cost accounting experience.
• ERP experience (Sage 100 or similar).
• CPA designation or public accounting background preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting operations: GL, AR, AP, inventory and payroll.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements.
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes.
• Maintain and reconcile balance sheet accounts.
• Coordinate with external CPAs for tax filings and audits.
• Develop cash flow forecasts and working capital management.
• Provide profitability reporting by product category, customer, and channel.
• Support pricing, purchasing and cost management decisions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Leadership

Communication

Advanced Excel & financial modeling

Financial analysis

Tools

Sage 100

ERP systems

Job description

We are a leading food distribution company based in New Jersey, seeking an experienced Controller to oversee all accounting and financial operations of the business.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for financial reporting, internal controls, cash flow management, inventory accounting, and process improvement in a fast-paced distribution environment. The ideal candidate will bring strong accounting expertise, operational insight, and a proven ability to enhance systems, reporting, and overall financial performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations including general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, and payroll.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Manage and execute month-end and year-end close processes.
• Maintain and reconcile all balance sheet accounts.
• Coordinate with external CPA firms regarding tax filings, audits, and financial reviews.

Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

• Monitor and manage cash flow, liquidity, and working capital.
• Oversee accounts receivable, collections, and credit management.
• Analyze and improve AR aging and customer credit policies.
• Manage vendor payments and optimize payment terms.
• Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts and financial projections.

Inventory & Cost Accounting

• Oversee inventory accounting, reconciliation, and controls.
• Ensure accurate inventory valuation and product costing.
• Monitor and report inventory variances, shrinkage, and operational inefficiencies.
• Partner with operations and warehouse teams to strengthen inventory management processes.
• Develop and maintain profitability reporting by product category, customer, and sales channel.
• Analyze margins and overall business performance across key accounts and distribution channels.
• Support pricing, purchasing, and cost management decisions through data-driven analysis.
• Prepare management reports, dashboards, and KPIs for leadership.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Establish and maintain strong internal controls and financial procedures.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee sales tax filings and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and maintain proper documentation.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Optimize ERP and accounting systems to improve business performance.
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities.
• Leverage technology and AI tools to increase efficiency and reporting accuracy.
• Reduce manual processes and strengthen data integrity across financial operations.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of experience as a Controller or similar financial leadership role within a small to mid-sized business.
• Strong experience in food distribution, wholesale distribution, consumer products, or related industries.
• Hands-on experience with inventory management and cost accounting.
• Experience managing accounts receivable, collections, and cash flow.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting principles.
• Experience with ERP systems (Sage 100 or comparable platforms preferred).
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• CPA designation or public accounting background.
• Experience working in a family-owned, entrepreneurial, or high-growth business environment.
• Experience leading system implementations, process improvements, and automation initiatives.
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.

Key Attributes

• Hands-on and detail-oriented.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, operationally focused environment.
• Strong business partner mindset with the ability to work across departments.
• Proactive problem solver with a continuous improvement mentality.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Paid time off and company holidays.

Why Join Us

• Established and growing food distribution company with a strong market presence.
• High-impact leadership role with direct exposure to ownership and executive leadership.
• Opportunity to drive financial strategy, operational improvements, and business growth.
• Collaborative and team-oriented work environment with long-term career growth potential.