Controller

Virginia Artesian Bottling Company; Mechanicsville (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Artesian Bottling Company, a family-owned bottled water producer in Hanover County, Virginia, seeks a Controller to manage day-to-day accounting, improve financial reporting, and implement new technologies. You will partner with ownership to streamline processes, strengthen controls, and support strategic decision-making in a growing manufacturing environment.

The role focuses on manufacturing accounting, budgeting, cash flow management, and collaboration with departments to drive

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA or CMA certification is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounting functions including payables, receivables, G/L, and reconciliations.
• Prepare and review monthly/quarterly/annual financial statements.
• Manage cash flow, financial reporting, and budgeting activities.
• Collaborate with ownership and department leaders to improve processes and reporting.
• Evaluate inventory accounting, valuation, and product profitability.
• Lead improvements in accounting systems and automation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Strong communication

Team leadership

Excel proficiency

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA or CMA certification (beneficial)

Tools

ERP systems

QuickBooks Enterprise

Job description

Position Overview

Company Overview

Virginia Artesian Bottling Company is a family-owned bottled water manufacturer located in Hanover County, Virginia. We produce premium artesian bottled water for our own brand as well as private-label and co-packing customers across the country.

We’re proud of what we’ve built and excited about where we’re headed. As our company continues to grow, we’re investing in new equipment, technology, and better ways of doing business.

We have a dedicated team, a strong foundation, and a commitment to continuing to improve. We value hard work, good relationships, and people who take pride in what they do.

Position Overview

We’re looking for a Controller to join our team and help guide the next stage of our company’s financial operations.

This position offers a unique opportunity to manage the day-to-day accounting functions of an established business while working closely with ownership to improve financial reporting, streamline processes, and introduce new technologies.

We have a solid foundation in place, but we recognize there are opportunities to improve how we manage information, use technology, and make financial decisions.

We’re not looking for someone to come in with all the answers. We’re looking for someone who enjoys working with others, sharing ideas, solving problems, and helping turn those ideas into meaningful improvements.

Our goal is to find someone who wants to grow with the company and play an important role in shaping our financial operations for years to come.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Accounting

The Controller will help ensure our financial operations remain accurate, organized, and dependable while supporting the needs of a growing business.

Responsibilities include:

• Oversee daily accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and reconciliations.
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Manage cash flow, financial reporting, and budgeting activities.
• Work with our admin team to maintain accurate records and efficient processes.
• Coordinate with outside accountants and banking partners.
• Maintain appropriate financial controls and support compliance with accounting standards.
• Provide financial information and insight to help ownership make informed business decisions.

Financial Planning & Analysis

We want to continue improving how we use financial information to understand our business and plan for the future.

This role will work alongside ownership to:

• Develop and improve annual budgets and financial forecasts.
• Monitor cash flow and help plan for future financial needs.
• Identify key financial performance indicators and develop useful reporting tools.
• Evaluate customer and product profitability.
• Analyze operating expenses and identify opportunities for improved efficiency.
• Support financial planning for equipment purchases, facility improvements, and future growth.
• Help turn financial data into practical information that supports everyday decisions.

Financial Systems & Process Improvement

One of the most exciting opportunities in this position is helping us continue to modernize our financial operations.

We’re interested in finding better ways to work, whether that means improving existing processes, introducing new software, or using automation to make everyday tasks easier.

Areas of focus include:

• Evaluate current accounting workflows and identify opportunities to simplify processes.
• Explore financial software, reporting tools, and automation technologies.
• Help assess future accounting, inventory management, and ERP system needs.
• Reduce repetitive manual work and improve the flow of information between departments.
• Develop more accessible and timely financial reporting.
• Explore practical uses of AI and other emerging technologies.
• Work with leadership to prioritize improvements and implement changes at a manageable pace.

We don’t expect everything to change overnight. We want someone who will help us identify the right opportunities, develop a plan, and work together to make steady progress.

Manufacturing Accounting & Inventory Management

As a manufacturing company, our financial operations are closely connected to production, purchasing, inventory, and sales.

The Controller will have the opportunity to collaborate with these departments to:

• Oversee inventory accounting, valuation, and reconciliations.
• Improve visibility into manufacturing costs and product profitability.
• Help evaluate raw material, packaging, labor, and production costs.
• Support better inventory reporting and purchasing decisions.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve operating efficiency.
• Assist with financial analysis related to production equipment and facility investments.

Previous manufacturing experience is valuable, but we also recognize that every business operates differently. We’re happy to share our knowledge of the industry and welcome new ideas and perspectives.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

We believe strong financial operations depend on good communication and teamwork.

The Controller will:

• Provide guidance and support to accounting and administrative team members.
• Work closely with ownership and department leaders.
• Help establish clear, consistent financial procedures.
• Encourage open communication and collaboration across departments.
• Share financial information in a way that is useful and easy to understand.
• Support the continued development of our accounting team as the company grows.

Qualifications & Experience

Preferred qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressive accounting or financial management experience.
• Strong understanding of financial statements, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to balance independent responsibilities with team collaboration.

Additional experience that would be beneficial:

• Previous Controller, Assistant Controller, or Accounting Manager experience.
• Manufacturing, distribution, or inventory accounting experience.
• Familiarity with QuickBooks Enterprise or ERP systems.
• Experience improving accounting processes or implementing financial technology.
• CPA or CMA certification.
• Experience working in a privately held or family-owned business.

We understand that the right candidate may not check every box. We’re interested in finding someone with a strong accounting foundation, a willingness to learn, and an interest in growing professionally.

Professional Attributes

Beyond experience and technical skills, we’re looking for someone who will be a good fit for our team and company culture.

Our ideal candidate is someone who:

• Values collaboration: Enjoys working with others and sharing ideas.
• Takes initiative: Recognizes opportunities for improvement and helps develop solutions.
• Embraces technology: Is open to learning and using tools that make work more efficient.
• Communicates effectively: Can explain financial information clearly and comfortably.
• Balances priorities: Understands the importance of both daily responsibilities and long‑term goals.
• Demonstrates accountability: Takes pride in accurate work and following through on commitments.
• Has a growth mindset: Wants to continue learning, developing, and contributing as the company evolves.

Professional Growth & Development

We see this position as an important part of Virginia Artesian’s future.

As we continue expanding our manufacturing capabilities and customer relationships, we want our financial operations to grow alongside the business.

The Controller will have the opportunity to work directly with ownership on financial planning, system improvements, operational decisions, and long‑term business initiatives.

We want this to be a position where someone can bring their experience, develop new skills, take on meaningful projects, and help shape the direction of the department.

Compensation & Benefits

Virginia Artesian offers competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications, along with benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

Join Our Team

At Virginia Artesian, we’re proud of our history as a family-owned business and excited about the opportunities ahead.

We’re looking for someone who wants to be part of our team, contribute their knowledge and ideas, and work together to continue building a successful company.

If you’re an accounting professional looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution while growing with a business, we’d love to hear from you.

Virginia Artesian Bottling Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.