Controller

Brilliant®; Sulphur (LA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Brilliant® is seeking a hands-on Financial Controller for a confidential, inventory-driven business. You will own the close process, strengthen inventory accounting and partner with operations to optimize cost performance.

You will lead a lean finance team, implement controls and deliver actionable reports to senior leadership, with visibility into budgets, forecasts and performance metrics.

Qualifications

• Strong inventory accounting and COGS experience with close ownership.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• Experience working with leadership and cross-functional teams in day-to-day accounting.
• 7–12+ years progressive accounting and finance experience.
• CPA, CMA or public accounting audit experience is a plus.
• Financial systems implementation or conversion experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Partner with purchasing and operations to improve inventory accuracy and cost management.
• Lead monthly, quarterly and annual close with financial statement prep.
• Coach accounting staff and promote accountability across finance.
• Analyze profitability, pricing trends and gross margin to identify opportunities.
• Establish accounting policies, approvals and internal controls.
• Support systems improvements through mapping, validation, testing and reporting.
• Oversee GL, AP, AR and inventory accounting activities.
• Collaborate on budgets, forecasts and performance reviews.
• Monitor inventory valuation, COGS, reserves and obsolete stock.
• Develop management reports translating financial data into recommendations.
• Improve workflows, reduce manual effort and strengthen audit readiness.
• Monitor collections and cash conversion while strengthening controls around inventory.

Skills

Inventory accounting

COGS

Close & financial reporting

Excel

Analytical skills

Leadership coaching

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Brilliant® is partnering with a confidential, inventory-driven business to hire a hands‑on Financial Controller. This opportunity combines accounting leadership, business partnership and process improvement, with meaningful visibility to senior leadership.

The ideal candidate enjoys working directly with financial data, strengthening accounting practices and helping operational teams make informed decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with purchasing and operations to improve inventory accuracy, understand product costs and manage working capital.
• Lead monthly, quarterly and annual close activities, including financial statement preparation and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Coach accounting staff, clarify responsibilities and promote accountability across the finance function.
• Analyze customer and product profitability, pricing trends and gross margin performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Establish practical accounting policies, approval procedures and internal controls.
• Support financial systems improvements through process mapping, data validation, testing and reporting.
• Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable and inventory accounting activities.
• Collaborate with leadership on budgets, forecasts and business performance reviews.
• Monitor inventory valuation, COGS, reserves, aging and slow‑moving or obsolete stock.
• Develop management reports that explain performance drivers and translate financial data into actionable recommendations.
• Improve accounting workflows, reduce manual effort and strengthen audit readiness.
• Monitor collections and cash conversion while strengthening controls around inventory movements, adjustments and physical counts.

Qualifications

• Strong inventory accounting and COGS experience, along with direct ownership of close and financial reporting.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field.
• Ability to work effectively with leadership and cross-functional teams while remaining closely involved in day-to-day accounting.
• Approximately 7–12+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Strong Excel and analytical skills, including experience working with transactional and operational data.
• Experience in industrial distribution, aftermarket parts, MRO distribution or another inventory-intensive business preferred. Relevant manufacturing or wholesale distribution experience will also be considered.
• Demonstrated success improving accounting processes, controls and reporting in a lean environment.
• Experience supervising or coaching accounting staff.
• CPA, CMA or prior public accounting audit experience is a plus.
• Financial systems implementation or conversion experience is a plus.

Who Will Thrive in This Role

You bring a practical, collaborative approach and are comfortable moving between detailed accounting work and conversations with leadership. You investigate discrepancies, ask thoughtful questions and follow through on solutions.

This opportunity may suit an experienced Controller or a strong Assistant Controller or Accounting/Finance Manager ready for broader ownership.