Controller

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

Job summary

Babcox Media, an Akron, Ohio-based company, seeks an experienced Controller to oversee day-to-day accounting, close processes, and internal controls. This hands-on role partners with senior leadership to provide reliable financial insights and drive operational discipline across the organization.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of accounting experience, strong GAAP knowledge, and leadership capabilities, with proficiency in Excel and accounting systems to support strategic decision-making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting; CPA preferred but not required.
• 8+ years of relevant accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and compliance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with accounting systems and advanced Excel.
• Experience leading and developing accounting staff.
• Familiarity with AI tools for reporting and analysis.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly financial statements with timeliness and accuracy.
• Develop budgets and forecasts with variance analysis.
• Own month-end close process and internal controls.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
• Manage payroll-related tasks and journal entries.
• Coordinate with external auditors and tax advisors.
• Leverage AI tools to improve reporting and efficiency.
• Maintain confidentiality of financial data.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Communication

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

CPA preferred but not required

Tools

Excel

Accounting systems

AI tools for reporting

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Fairlawn, OH 44333

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.

Qualifications

• 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.