Controller (Path to CFO)

Bernards Furniture; Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point (NC, NC, NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Bernards Furniture seeks an experienced Controller to lead our accounting and finance operations, with a clear succession plan to become CFO within 6–12 months. You will manage month-, quarter-, and year-end closes while optimizing NetSuite and multi-entity accounting to support strategic growth.

You will oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and internal controls, collaborating with supply chain, imports/logistics, and sales leaders to drive value.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience with 2–5+ years in a Controller or equivalent leadership role.
• NetSuite experience is a plus.
• Experience in import / wholesale distribution accounting (landed costs, inventory, international transactions) — strongly preferred.
• Experience with multi-entity structures preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting, financial reporting, and controllership functions.
• Manage the full month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Oversee and optimize the NetSuite ERP system.
• Handle multi-entity accounting, consolidations, and intercompany transactions.
• Manage cash flow, treasury, and working capital.
• Oversee inventory accounting, landed costs, import duties, freight.
• Prepare financial statements, management reports.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Strengthen internal controls and accounting policies.
• Support strategic initiatives in supply chain finance, vendor management, and growth projects.
• Build, mentor, and lead the finance & accounting team.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with operations, imports/logistics, and sales leadership.
• Prepare to assume full CFO responsibilities.

Skills

Accounting leadership

Financial reporting

GAAP compliance

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

MBA a plus

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Controller to lead our accounting and finance operations. This is a high-visibility role with a clear succession plan — the right candidate will transition into the CFO position within 6–12 months.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting, financial reporting, and controllership functions
• Manage the full month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes
• Oversee and optimize the NetSuite ERP system
• Handle multi-entity accounting, consolidations, and intercompany transactions
• Manage cash flow, treasury, and working capital
• Oversee inventory accounting, landed costs, import duties, freight
• Prepare financial statements, management reports
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
• Strengthen internal controls and accounting policies
• Support strategic initiatives in supply chain finance, vendor management, and growth projects
• Build, mentor, and lead the finance & accounting team
• Ensure GAAP compliance and regulatory requirements
• Partner with operations, imports/logistics, and sales leadership
• Prepare to assume full CFO responsibilities

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience with 2–5+ years in a Controller or equivalent leadership role
• NetSuite experience is a plus
• Experience in import / wholesale distribution accounting (landed costs, inventory, international transactions) — strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (MBA a plus)
• Experience with multi-entity structures preferred

What We Offer

• Clear and accelerated path to CFO within 6–12 months
• Opportunity to make a significant strategic impact in a growing company