Controller

Babcox-Media-Inc; Fairlawn (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Babcox Media Inc. is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead day-to-day accounting operations and ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information. This role owns the month-end close and maintains internal controls while partnering with senior leadership.

You will generate reports, support budgets, manage payroll, and coordinate with external auditors and tax advisors. A CPA is preferred but not required, with 8+ years’ accounting experience and strong GAAP knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• CPA preferred but not required.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and legal compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in accounting systems and tools, including advanced Excel.
• Experience in payroll management and compensation structures.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with AI tools for reporting and analytics.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly financial statements, budgets, and forecasts with variance analysis.
• Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard financial data.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to support financial needs and growth initiatives.
• Prepare journal entries and reconcile accounts; maintain general ledger.
• Oversee payroll-related tasks and compensation calculations.
• Coordinate with external auditors and tax advisors; ensure timely filings.
• Maintain accounting policies and drive process improvements across the organization.
• Leverage AI tools to enhance reporting and insights.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Communication

Excel

Accounting systems

AI tools for reporting

Leadership / mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

CPA preferred

Tools

Accounting software

Excel

AI tools

Job description

Babcox Media Inc. (www.babcox.com), an Akron, Ohio-based B2B print, digital and video media company with concentration in the automotive aftermarket, powersports, performance, collision, commercial fleet, transmission, engine building and tire industries. Babcox Media owns and operates more than a dozen market-leading media brands including but not limited to Tire Review, BodyShop Business, Shop Owner, Fleet Equipment, and Motorcycle & Powersports news.Position Summary:The Controller is responsible for the Company’s day-to-day accounting operations and ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information. This role produces and reviews financial statements, owns the month end close process, maintains internal controls, and ensures compliance with U.S. GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements. The Controller owns the day-to-day accounting function and underlying financial systems, driving process improvements and operational discipline across the organization. This position partners closely with senior leadership to provide reliable financial insights, enhance visibility into performance, and support informed business decision-making. This is a hands-on Controller role, with direct ownership of the close and day to day accounting execution.Key Responsibilities:Financial Management and Reporting:Prepare monthly financial statements, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and timeliness.Develop and maintain budgets and forecasts, providing updates and variance analysis to leadership.Generate and analyze financial reports to identify trends and support strategic decision-making.Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard financial data.Collaborate with cross-functional departments to support financial needs and company growth initiatives.Communicate financial concepts and information effectively to senior management and non-financial stakeholders.Ensure proactive financial transparency to manage financial and operational risks.Maintain confidentiality of all financial information, data, and strategic plans.Leverage AI tools to assist with financial analysis and variance insights.Accounting Operations:Support accounts payable, accounts receivable, and billing departments to ensure timely and accurate execution.Prepare journal entries and account reconciliations, maintaining a clean and accurate general ledger.Manage payroll-related tasks, including journal entries and accurate special compensation calculations.Manage accounting department capacity, ensuring team productivity through delegation and prioritization support.Mentor accounting staff, providing guidance and technical expertise.Maintain and update accounting policies, processes, and internal control systems.Leverage AI tools to drive process improvement and streamline cross-functional operations.Vendor and Cost Management:Analyze costs, identify inefficiencies, and recommend financial strategies to improve profitability.Review and analyze vendor contracts, identifying opportunities for cost savings.Manage certain vendor relationships, ensuring quality and efficiency in services provided.Compliance and Audit Coordination:Ensure adherence to U.S. GAAP and applicable accounting standards.Prepare and maintain audit-ready financials, schedules, and supporting documentation.Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and tax advisors, coordinating information requests and ensuring timely, accurate responses.Support third-party tax preparation, including coordination of quarterly estimates and required filings.Oversee compliance with applicable tax and regulatory requirements across all jurisdictions, in coordination with external advisors.Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, CPA preferred but not required.8+ years of relevant accounting experience.Strong knowledge of GAAP and legal compliance requirements.In-depth understanding of accounting principles.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.Proficiency in accounting systems and tools, along with advanced Excel skills.Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.Proven experience in managing, leading, coaching, and training personnel.Experience in payroll management and understanding compensation structures.Ability to work independently and as a team player.Familiarity with AI tools for reporting, analysis, and communication.This is a full-time position. Typical work hours are Monday - Friday from 8 am until 5 pm. Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.Please note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change from time to time.