Controller

Distro; New Jersey; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Distro, a leading beverage distribution company based in New Jersey, seeks an experienced Controller to oversee all accounting and financial operations. This hands-on leadership position focuses on financial reporting, internal controls, cash flow management, and process improvement in a fast-paced distribution environment.

The ideal candidate brings strong accounting expertise, operational insight, and the ability to enhance systems and reporting.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience as a Controller or equivalent in a small to mid-sized business.
• Experience in distribution/beverage/consumer goods industry.
• Hands-on experience with inventory and cost accounting.
• Experience managing AR, collections, and cash flow.
• Knowledge of New York State bottle deposit accounting.
• Strong GAAP and financial reporting knowledge.
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably Sage 100.
• CPA or public accounting background preferred.
• Experience working in a family-owned or entrepreneurial business.
• Experience implementing systems improvements or automation.
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting operations including general ledger, AR, AP, inventory, and payroll.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Manage and execute the month-end and year-end close process.
• Maintain and reconcile balance sheet accounts.
• Coordinate with external CPA for tax filings and year-end review.
• Monitor and manage cash flow and liquidity; AR management and collections.
• Oversee vendor payments and optimize terms; cash flow forecasting.
• Oversee inventory accounting and reconciliation; valuation and costing.
• Develop margin reporting by SKU, customer, and channel; profitability analysis.
• Support pricing and cost decisions with data-driven analysis.
• Prepare management reports and dashboards.
• Establish and maintain internal controls; ensure regulatory compliance including NY bottle deposits.
• Oversee sales tax filings and regulatory reporting.
• Support audit processes and documentation.
• Optimize use of Sage 100 ERP; identify and implement automation and process improvements.
• Reduce manual processes and improve data accuracy.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

ERP systems (Sage 100)

Advanced Excel

Financial reporting

Cost accounting

Inventory accounting

Internal controls

Cash flow management

Financial modeling

Automation

Education

CPA preferred

Public accounting background

Tools

Sage 100

Job description

Position Overview We're a leading beverage 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, and process improvement in a fast-paced distribution environment. The ideal candidate will bring strong accounting expertise, operational insight, and the ability to improve systems and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Management & Reporting Oversee all accounting operations including general ledger, AR, AP, inventory, and payroll Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements Manage and execute the month-end and year-end close process Maintain and reconcile all balance sheet accounts Coordinate with external CPA firm for tax filings and year-end review
• Cash Flow & Working Capital Management Monitor and manage cash flow and liquidity Oversee accounts receivable and collections Analyze and improve AR aging and customer credit policies Manage vendor payments and optimize payment terms Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts
• Inventory & Cost Accounting Oversee inventory accounting and reconciliation Ensure accurate inventory valuation and costing Monitor and report on inventory variances and shrinkage Partner with operations to improve inventory controls and processes
• Operational & Financial Analysis Develop and maintain margin reporting by SKU, customer, and channel Analyze profitability across key accounts (e.g., Costco, Jetro, Restaurant Depot, direct store delivery) Support pricing and cost decisions with data-driven analysis Prepare management reports and dashboards
• Compliance & Internal Controls Establish and maintain strong internal controls Ensure compliance with state and local regulations, including: New York State container deposit laws Oversee sales tax filings and regulatory reporting Support audit processes and documentation
• Systems & Process Improvement Optimize use of Sage 100 ERP system Identify and implement process improvements and automation Leverage technology and AI tools to improve efficiency and reporting Reduce manual processes and improve data accuracy

Qualifications

• Required Minimum 5+ years experience as a Controller or equivalent role in a small to mid-sized business
• Strong experience in distribution, beverage, or consumer goods industry
• Hands-on experience with inventory and cost accounting
• Experience managing accounts receivable, collections, and cash flow
• Knowledge of New York State container deposit (bottle bill) accounting and reporting
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting
• Experience with ERP systems (preferably Sage 100 or similar)
• Preferred CPA or public accounting background (e.g., audit experience)
• Experience working in a family-owned or entrepreneurial business
• Experience implementing systems improvements or automation
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills

$120,000 - $150,000 a year