Controller

JMJ PHILLIP; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement savings options

Paid time off

Employee programs

Job summary

JMJ PHILLIP is seeking an experienced Controller to provide strategic financial leadership, oversee accounting, financial reporting, and cash management in a fast-paced environment in San Diego. The role emphasizes strong internal controls, process optimization, and partnering with executive leadership on budgeting and forecasting.

The position offers visibility with senior leadership, opportunities to influence strategic decisions, and a competitive compensation package including a salary range

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 12 years progressive accounting experience with at least 7 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience within consumer products, retail, distribution, manufacturing, or import industries is desirable.
• Advanced experience with ERP systems, preferably NetSuite.
• Strong background in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven leadership experience managing accounting and finance teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Prepare income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and applicable accounting standards.
• Oversee all general ledger activities, journal entries, reconciliations, and financial analysis.
• Manage corporate cash flow activities, banking relationships, and liquidity planning.
• Direct accounts receivable and collections, invoicing, and payables processing.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Provide actionable financial insights to support strategic decisions.
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and purchasing teams; strengthen internal controls and processes.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

U.S. GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Budgeting & forecasting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

NetSuite ERP

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Controller to provide strategic financial leadership and oversee all accounting, financial reporting, purchasing, and transactional finance operations. Reporting to executive leadership, this role is responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining strong internal controls, optimizing accounting processes, and supporting business growth through sound financial management. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on leader with extensive accounting expertise, strong analytical skills, and experience managing financial operations within a fast‑paced organization.

Position Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close Management

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Prepare accurate financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and applicable accounting standards.
• Provide timely financial reporting to executive leadership.

General Ledger & Accounting Operations

• Oversee all general ledger activities, journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial analysis.
• Ensure accuracy of financial records and maintain proper accounting controls.
• Review balance sheet reconciliations and resolve accounting discrepancies.
• Continuously improve accounting workflows and efficiencies.

Cash Management

• Manage corporate cash flow activities and banking relationships.
• Oversee bank reconciliations, vendor payments, wire transfers, and corporate credit card programs.
• Assist with cash forecasting and liquidity planning.
• Monitor working capital and cash management strategies.

Accounts Receivable & Accounts Payable

• Direct the full accounts receivable and collection process.
• Oversee customer invoicing, retailer portals, deductions, and chargeback management.
• Supervise accounts payable operations to ensure timely processing and payment of invoices.
• Strengthen approval workflows and internal financial controls.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Prepare financial presentations for executive leadership and board meetings.
• Analyze gross margins, sales performance, and operational results.
• Provide actionable financial insights to support strategic decision‑making.

Pricing & Cost Management

• Ensure the accuracy of customer pricing and supplier costs.
• Monitor product margins and identify opportunities for cost improvements.
• Oversee royalty, commission, and marketing accrual calculations.
• Support purchasing activities with accurate financial oversight.

Leadership & Process Improvement

• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and purchasing teams.
• Establish best practices that improve efficiency and financial accuracy.
• Strengthen internal controls and operational procedures.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across finance operations.

Prerequisites

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive accounting experience with at least 7 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience within consumer products, retail, distribution, manufacturing, or import industries is highly desirable.
• Advanced experience with ERP systems, preferably NetSuite.
• Strong background in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven leadership experience managing accounting and finance teams.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

Certifications (Preferred, but not Required)

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
• Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Six Sigma Green Belt
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

What the Role Offers

• Salary: $140,000 – $200,000 annually
• Opportunity to play a key leadership role within a growing organization.
• Collaborative and fast‑paced work environment.
• High visibility with executive leadership and strategic decision‑making.
• Career growth and professional development opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health benefits, retirement savings options, paid time off, and additional employee programs.

Why San Diego?

San Diego offers an exceptional combination of professional opportunity and outstanding quality of life. Known for its thriving business community, beautiful coastal setting, year‑round mild climate, and diverse cultural attractions, the area provides an excellent environment for career growth while offering abundant recreational activities, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community.