Controller – Retail

Keystone Distinction Group; Jersey City (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group is seeking a Controller for their operations in Jersey City, NJ. The successful candidate will oversee financial operations, collaborate with various teams, and ensure compliance with accounting standards.

With over 5 years of accounting experience, particularly in finance and retail industries, the Controller will manage accounting functions and provide strategic financial insights.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience, ideally in a hands-on management role.
• Experience in food, consumer products, retail, or inventory-intensive environments.
• Strong understanding of internal controls, compliance, and tax regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily accounting operations including general ledger and month-end/year-end close.
• Prepare financial statements and provide recommendations for profitability improvements.
• Monitor inventory levels and analyze slow-moving or excess stock.

Skills

Financial reporting

Budgeting and forecasting

Operational inventory control

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel proficiency

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.