Director of Financial Accounting (Corporate Controller)

Korn Ferry; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Rogue Fitness is seeking a Director of Financial Accounting (Corporate Controller) to lead the accounting organization in Columbus, OH. The role oversees financial close, reporting, cost accounting, tax, audits, and internal controls while developing a high-performing team and partnering with manufacturing and operations.

The successful candidate will drive process improvements, ERP improvements, and leverage advanced Excel/AI tools to support growth and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting is required.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive accounting experience with leadership.
• Experience with cost accounting in manufacturing.
• Experience with audits and financial close.
• Knowledge of U.S. GAAP and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting functions including general ledger, financial reporting, cost accounting, audits, tax compliance, and month-end close.
• Oversee the accounting organization of ~10 team members.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performance accounting team.
• Manage timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Oversee federal, state, local, sales, and use tax compliance.
• Ensure integrity of the general ledger and internal controls.
• Lead the external audit process and liaise with auditors.
• Direct all cost accounting activities including BOM, landed costs, variances.
• Partner with manufacturing/operations to improve reporting and accuracy.
• Identify process improvements and automation opportunities.
• Support ERP/system enhancements and implementations.
• Leverage Excel, Google Sheets, and AI-enabled tools for processes.
• Roll up sleeves to ensure on-time deliverables.
• Partner with CFO on accounting matters and growth initiatives.

Skills

GAAP expertise

Leadership

Internal controls

Financial reporting

ERP systems

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

CPA strongly preferred

Master's in Accounting (MAcc) preferred

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012

ERP platforms

Job description

Korn Ferry has partnered with our client on their search for the role, Director of Financial Accounting (Corporate Controller).

The Company

Rogue Fitness is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of premium strength and conditioning equipment, serving athletes, military personnel, and fitness facilities around the world. Founded in 2006 in a small Columbus, Ohio garage, the company began with a simple mission: to create durable, American‑made equipment that could withstand the demands of serious training. What started as a grassroots operation has since grown into a vertically integrated manufacturing powerhouse with more than 700 team members and a rapidly expanding campus of production, distribution, and R&D facilities.

Rogue’s product line spans barbells, power racks, rigs, plates, kettlebells, conditioning tools, and a wide range of accessories—each built with an emphasis on quality, innovation, and long‑term performance. The company is widely recognized for its role in shaping modern functional fitness, and its equipment has become the standard in CrossFit affiliates, collegiate and professional weight rooms, military bases, and home gyms worldwide.

As the official equipment supplier of the CrossFit Games, USA Weightlifting, the Arnold Strongman Classic, and the World’s Strongest Man competition, Rogue has played a central role in elevating strength sports to a global audience. These partnerships have also driven continuous product innovation, as Rogue collaborates closely with elite athletes to refine and develop equipment that meets the highest competitive standards.

Despite its rapid growth, Rogue remains committed to its founding principles: American manufacturing, community investment, and supporting athletes at every level—from first‑time lifters training in their garage to world‑class competitors performing on the biggest stages. The company continues to expand its capabilities, champion U.S. manufacturing, and push the boundaries of what strength equipment can be.

Purpose of the Position

The Controller will lead the accounting organization and oversee all accounting operations, including financial close, financial reporting, cost accounting, tax compliance, audit management, and internal controls. This leader will ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the company's financial records while partnering across the business to support continued growth and operational excellence. The Controller will be a hands‑on leader responsible for developing high‑performing teams, driving process improvements, and maintaining a strong control environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting functions, including general ledger, financial reporting, cost accounting, accounts payable, audits, tax compliance, and month‑end/year‑end close
• Oversee the accounting organization consisting of approximately 10 team members, including the AP Supervisor, Accounting Supervisor, Manager of Cost Accounting, and Senior Accountant.
• Build, lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing accounting team while continuously evaluating organizational structure and talent needs.
• Manage the preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Oversee all federal, state, local, sales, and use tax compliance activities.
• Ensure the integrity of the general ledger and maintain strong accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Lead the annual external audit process and serve as the primary liaison with auditors and other external advisors.
• Direct all cost accounting activities, including inventory valuation, standard costing, manufacturing variances, cost of goods sold analysis, BOM management, and landed‑cost accounting.
• Partner closely with manufacturing, operations, supply chain, and distribution teams to improve operational reporting and accounting accuracy.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and increased use of technology throughout the accounting organization.
• Support the continued evolution and optimization of ERP and accounting systems while helping guide future system enhancements and implementations.
• Leverage advanced Excel, Google Sheets, and emerging AI‑enabled tools to improve financial processes, reporting efficiency, and decision support.
• Roll up sleeves when necessary to support the team and ensure deliverables are completed accurately and on time.
• Partner with the CFO and executive leadership team on accounting matters, reporting requirements, and organizational growth initiatives.

The Candidate

Experience and Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting required
• CPA strongly preferred.
• Master's in Accounting (MAcc) preferred but not required.
• 12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibilities within complex manufacturing, consumer products, eCommerce, or similarly scaled organizations.
• Early career experience in public accounting strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in cost accounting within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, local, sales, and use tax requirements.
• Proven experience managing audits, financial close processes, and technical accounting matters.
• Experience building, developing, and leading accounting teams through periods of growth and organizational change.
• Experience working with ERP systems; familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 or similar ERP platforms is desirable.
• Experience in eCommerce or direct‑to‑consumer business models is a plus.
• Strong understanding of BOM, SKU, inventory, standard costing, landed cost, and cost of goods sold accounting

Skills and Competencies

• Technical Accounting Excellence: Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP, cost accounting, internal controls, and financial reporting.
• Hands‑On Leadership: Willingness to actively support the team while driving accountability and performance.
• Team Builder: Track record of recruiting, developing, and retaining high‑performing accounting professionals.
• Operational Mindset: Ability to partner effectively with manufacturing, operations, and supply chain leaders.
• Systems & Technology Orientation: Experience utilizing ERP systems and implementing process improvements through technology.
• Data & Analytics: Advanced Excel and Google Sheets capabilities with an interest in leveraging AI‑enabled solutions.
• Continuous Improvement: Demonstrated ability to streamline processes, improve controls, and increase organizational efficiency.
• Culture Fit: Passion for health, fitness, and performance; excited to engage with Rogue's unique culture and products.