Controller

Ardent Global Logistics; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global logistics firm in Virginia Beach seeks a dedicated Controller to oversee financial operations and build processes for a high-growth environment. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of accounting and finance experience, preferably within logistics or freight forwarding. Responsibilities include managing financial reporting, cash flow forecasting, and internal controls while working directly with leadership to influence strategic decisions. This role offers a hybrid work model with significant impact on the company's success.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive accounting / finance experience.
• Experience as Controller or senior accounting lead is a must.
• Experience in logistics or freight forwarding is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly financial close processes.
• Prepare and deliver financial statements and reports.
• Manage cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning.
• Build scalable SOPs and internal controls.
• Assist with annual budgeting and forecasting.

Skills

Financial statements understanding

Advanced Excel skills

Process orientation

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Controller

Ardent Global Logistics
Virginia Beach, VA (Remote / Hybrid considered)

About Ardent Global Logistics

Ardent Global Logistics is a fast-growing, boutique global freight forwarding and supply chain advisory firm built to serve customers who demand speed, responsiveness, and exceptional service.

Founded during one of the most disruptive supply chain periods in modern history, Ardent was created to help small and mid-sized importers navigate complex logistics challenges with the care and urgency often missing from larger providers.

We believe in doing common things in uncommon ways.

Our culture is built on ownership, accountability, constant communication, and an obsession with details. Every shipment matters because every customer relationship matters.

As we continue to scale, we are looking for a strong Controller to build financial rigor, improve visibility, and help drive the next phase of growth.

Position Overview

The Controller will own the day-to-day financial operations of the business while building the processes, controls, and reporting infrastructure necessary for a high-growth company.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both rolling up their sleeves in the details and helping leadership make strategic decisions through strong financial insight.

The right candidate will bring structure, discipline, and clarity across accounting, reporting, cash flow, forecasting, and financial controls.

This person will work directly with the Founder and leadership team and will play a critical role in scaling the finance function.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes
• Prepare timely and accurate financial statements
• Deliver monthly management reporting packages with KPIs and commentary
• Ensure balance sheet integrity and clean reconciliations
• Maintain general ledger accuracy and accounting controls

Cash Flow & Working Capital

• Manage cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning
• Monitor AR, AP, collections, and billing cycles
• Improve invoicing timeliness and cash conversion
• Build reporting around DSO, margins, and customer profitability

Operational Finance

• Partner with operations and sales leadership on gross profit reporting
• Analyze lane profitability, customer margins, and service line performance
• Support pricing, commissions, and incentive plan analysis
• Develop dashboards for business performance metrics

Controls & Process Improvement

• Build scalable SOPs, approval workflows, and internal controls
• Improve accounting processes and month-end close speed
• Drive process discipline across billing and cost capture
• Support audit, banking, insurance, and compliance requirements

Forecasting & Strategic Support

• Assist with annual budgeting and rolling forecasts
• Support board, lender, and investor reporting
• Help leadership evaluate growth investments and hiring plans
• Provide financial modeling support for acquisitions and branch expansion

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• CPA strongly preferred
• 5+ years of progressive accounting / finance experience
• Experience as Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting lead
• Experience in logistics, freight forwarding, transportation, or service businesses strongly preferred
• Strong command of financial statements and accrual accounting
• Advanced Excel / financial modeling skills
• Experience with ERP / accounting systems (experience with logistics platforms a plus)
• Strong attention to detail and process orientation

What Success Looks Like

In the first 90 days, success in this role looks like:

• Clean and predictable monthly close
• Improved visibility into gross profit and customer margins
• Faster invoicing and collections cadence
• Strong cash flow reporting
• Clear KPI dashboards for leadership
• Increased confidence in financial reporting and decision-making

Why Join Ardent

This is an opportunity to help shape the finance function of a high-growth company at an exciting stage.

You will work directly with leadership, influence strategic decisions, and help build the foundation for the next phase of scale.

If you are someone who thrives in fast-moving environments and wants to help build something meaningful, we would love to talk.