Controller

PKF O'Connor Davies; Hauppauge (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

PKF O'Connor Davies in Hauppauge, NY seeks a full-time Controller to lead the day-to-day accounting function, ensure accurate financial reporting, and maintain strong internal controls for a privately held energy distribution business.

You will supervise accounting staff, manage month‑end and year‑end closes, payroll and sales tax compliance, and provide management with timely insights and variance explanations to support strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience with sales tax returns, payroll, and related recurring accounting compliance activities.
• Familiarity with Highway Use Tax reporting or ability to take ownership of filing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the general accounting function, ensuring activity is recorded accurately and timely.
• Prepare, review, and post journal entries and supporting documentation; investigate unusual transactions.
• Prepare periodic financial statements and related schedules for management, including balance sheet, income statement, and analysis.
• Review bank reconciliations for completeness and accuracy; resolve reconciling items promptly.
• Coordinate and process payroll activities and related accounting entries.
• Maintain general ledger integrity through reconciliations and balance reviews.
• Lead month-end and year-end closings and ensure timely financial reporting.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Tools

Peachtree / Sage

NetSuite

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Our client is seeking a full-time Controller role for a privately held company operating in the petroleum and fuel distribution and retail industry. Serve as the senior hands‑on accounting leader responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the company’s financial records and reporting. Own the day‑to‑day accounting function, financial statement preparation, general ledger oversight, tax and payroll-related compliance, reconciliations, month‑end and year‑end close, internal controls, and supervision of office staff involved in accounting and administrative processes. Provide management with reliable financial information, clear explanations of significant variances, and timely insight into accounting matters requiring attention.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the general accounting function, ensuring financial activity is recorded accurately, completely, and on a timely basis.
• Prepare, review, and post journal entries and supporting documentation; investigate unusual or incomplete transactions as needed.
• Prepare periodic financial statements and related schedules for management, including balance sheet, income statement, account analysis, and supporting detail.
• Review bank reconciliations for completeness and accuracy and ensure reconciling items are researched and resolved promptly.
• Prepare and file sales tax returns in accordance with applicable filing schedules and maintain supporting records.
• Prepare and file Highway Use Tax returns and maintain the records necessary to support filings.
• Coordinate and\/or process payroll activities, including review of payroll information, deductions, and related accounting entries.
• Maintain general ledger integrity through account reconciliations, balance reviews, and timely correction of discrepancies.
• Lead month‑end and year‑end closing activities, establish close deadlines, review account activity, and ensure financial reporting is completed accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain complete and organized accounting records and documentation to support management reporting, external accountants, tax filings, audits or reviews, and other business requirements.
• Supervise and provide day‑to‑day direction to office staff involved in accounting and administrative activities, including work prioritization, quality review, and accountability for assigned responsibilities.
• Improve accounting workflows, documentation, internal controls, reconciliations, close procedures, and financial reporting processes.
• Establish and maintain appropriate accounting policies, procedures, approval practices, and segregation of duties consistent with the size and needs of the organization.
• Coordinate with external accountants, tax professionals, payroll providers, and other financial service partners as required.
• Monitor cash activity, account balances, and recurring financial obligations to support effective financial management.

Accounting Systems & Technology

• Peachtree / Sage accounting software.
• NetSuite.
• Microsoft Excel and standard office productivity tools used for reconciliations, schedules, analysis, and financial reporting.
• Ability to learn and work effectively within established accounting systems and company processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Practical experience preparing or reviewing financial statements, journal entries, and bank reconciliations.
• Experience with sales tax returns, payroll, and related recurring accounting compliance activities.
• Familiarity with Highway Use Tax reporting or the ability to take ownership of this filing responsibility.
• Ability to organize multiple deadlines, maintain accurate records, and follow through on outstanding items.
• Strong attention to detail and a high degree of discretion when handling confidential financial and payroll information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or in a comparable role with direct ownership of a company’s accounting function.
• Experience supervising or coordinating the work of office or accounting staff.
• Working knowledge of both Peachtree / Sage and NetSuite.
• Experience improving accounting procedures, reconciliations, close processes, or internal controls.

Core Competencies

• Accounting accuracy and financial discipline.
• Ownership and accountability.
• Analytical problem-solving.
• Organization and deadline management.
• Clear communication with management and staff.
• Confidentiality and professional judgment.
• Hands‑on leadership and team accountability.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Full‑time position based in Hauppauge, New York.

The compensation for this position ranges from $150,000.00 - $175,000.00. Actual compensation will be dependent upon the specific role, office location as well as the individual’s qualifications, experience, skills and certifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.