Controller – Retail

Tom Trese; Jersey City (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Tom Trese is seeking a Controller for its Jersey City, New Jersey location. This role involves overseeing corporate operational accounting for a specialized food retailer experiencing rapid growth.

The ideal candidate will manage all aspects of accounting while working closely with various teams, including warehouse and logistics. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance, alongside 5+ years of experience in the industry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience preferred.
• Experience in food, consumer products, or retail industry is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily accounting operations and general ledger.
• Prepare financial statements and provide recommendations.
• Develop and monitor budgets and forecasts.

Skills

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Proficiency in Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA, CMA, or equivalent certification preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Position: Controller – Finance & Operations (Retail Industry)

Location: Jersey City, New Jersey

A rapidly growing, specialized specialty food retailer is expanding its footprint and seeking a financial leader to oversee its U.S. corporate integrated operational accounting.

The Controller is a highly hands‑on, on‑site role requiring close collaboration with warehouse, logistics, purchasing, production, and store operations teams.

The individual will manage the accounting function while playing an active role in providing analysis and feedback in a multitude of areas.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Finance & Core Accounting: Manage daily accounting operations, including general ledger, AP/AR, payroll oversight, cash management, and the month‑end/year‑end close processes.
• Financial Reporting & Analysis: Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, and provide recommendations to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Develop and monitor budgets, forecasts, cash flow projections, and support executive leadership with strategic planning.
• Operational Inventory Control: Monitor inventory levels across warehouse and retail locations, review aging/expiration reports, and analyze slow‑moving or excess inventory.
• Waste & Profitability Optimization: Partner with operations teams to execute action plans for promotions, discounts, or repackaging to reduce waste and optimize product margins.
• Audits, Compliance & Controls: Maintain internal controls, ensure compliance with accounting standards and tax regulations, and coordinate audits with external partners.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner directly with warehouse, logistics, purchasing, and store management through regular on‑site walkthroughs to ensure inventory accuracy and operational discipline.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education & Certification: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional certification preferred.
• Experience: 5+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience, ideally with a hands‑on management style in an on‑site environment.
• Industry Background: Strong preference for experience in food, consumer products, retail, distribution, manufacturing, or inventory‑intensive environments.
• Financial Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, inventory accounting, and cost accounting principles.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work closely with operations, warehouse, logistics, and supply chain teams.
• Technical & Soft Skills: Advanced proficiency in Excel and ERP systems, paired with excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.