Controller

CFS; Westport (CT); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS, a growing multi-brand consumer products business, is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead day-to-day accounting operations and financial reporting. Reporting to the CFO, you will own the monthly close, maintain accurate records, and strengthen internal controls across Belle Brands entities.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in accounting leadership within consumer products or ecommerce, with GAAP mastery, strong analytical skills, and ERP experience. Fairfield County location; 2 days onsite.

Qualifications

• Experience owning month-end close and leading accounting teams.
• Background in consumer products, ecommerce, or inventory-based businesses.
• Strong GAAP knowledge and financial reporting.
• Advanced Excel skills and ERP familiarity.
• Experience with multi-entity consolidations.

Responsibilities

• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Oversee general ledger, journal entries, and reconciliations.
• Prepare consolidated financial statements and KPI reporting.
• Lead audits and coordinate with external tax advisors.
• Oversee inventory costing and cost accounting.
• Partner with operations, supply chain, and FP&A.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Team leadership

Analytical

Excel skills

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced, hands on Controller to lead day-to-day accounting operations an financial reporting across their brand portfolio. Reporting to the CFO, the Controller will own the monthly close, maintain accurate financial records, strengthen internal controls, and ensure proper accounting for inventory, wholesale and ecommerce sales, and operating expenses. This is a key leadership role responsible for the integrity of the company's financial statements and for delivering the financial insights that support strategic decision-making across a growing, multi-brand consumer products business.

Our client is seeking an experienced, hands on Controller to lead day-to-day accounting operations an financial reporting across their brand portfolio. Reporting to the CFO, the Controller will own the monthly close, maintain accurate financial records, strengthen internal controls, and ensure proper accounting for inventory, wholesale and ecommerce sales, and operating expenses. This is a key leadership role responsible for the integrity of the company's financial statements and for delivering the financial insights that support strategic decision-making across a growing, multi-brand consumer products business.

The ideal candidate is a proven accounting leader who is highly organized, analytical, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, private equity-backed consumer products environment.

Location: Fairfield County - 2 days onsite

Salary: $140-160k + bonus

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations & Close

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring accurate and timely results in accordance with GAAP
• Oversee the general ledger, journal entries, and account reconciliations across all Belle Brands entities
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and intercompany transactions
• Establish, document, and continuously improve accounting policies and procedures

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and review monthly financial statements and consolidated reporting across the brand portfolio
• Deliver financial results, KPIs, and variance analysis to the CFO and leadership team
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning in partnership with FP&A
• Provide insights and recommendations that support strategic decision-making

Accounts Payable, Receivable & Treasury

• Oversee the accounts payable process, including vendor invoices, coding, approvals, and payments
• Manage accounts receivable, collections, and customer payment reconciliations
• Reconcile ecommerce platform and marketplace deposits
• Manage cash positioning, banking relationships, and working capital

Inventory & Cost Accounting

• Oversee inventory accounting, cost of goods sold, and product costing across the portfolio
• Reconcile inventory movements and lead periodic physical inventory counts
• Partner with operations and supply chain to ensure accurate costing and margin reporting

Compliance, Controls & Audit

• Establish and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure the integrity of financial reporting
• Lead the annual audit and serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors
• Oversee tax filings and coordination with external tax advisors, including income, sales and use, and payroll taxes
• Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable regulatory requirements

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Support

• Manage, mentor, and develop the accounting team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
• Partner with operations, supply chain, and sales teams to ensure financial accuracy
• Support FP&A, M&A, integration, and private equity and lender reporting as needed
• Lead special projects and process and system improvements, including ERP optimization

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including experience owning the month-end close and managing an accounting team
• Experience in consumer products, ecommerce, or inventory-based businesses
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls
• Experience with inventory and cost accounting
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with accounting systems
• Strong attention to detail, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
• Experience with ecommerce and marketplace platforms (Shopify, Amazon, etc.) and wholesale and retail channels
• Experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG) or beauty
• Experience with multi-entity consolidations