Financial Controller

Arrowhead Talent Solutions; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Controller to optimize its accounting operations in Cleveland. The successful candidate will lead a team, manage financial reporting, and ensure compliance, while collaborating with executive leadership to drive financial performance and support business growth. This role requires strong financial acumen and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• 3 – 7 years in accounting/financial leadership roles, ideally in retail or multi-location.
• Experience with GAAP compliance, financial reporting, and budgeting.
• Ability to analyze financial statements and create actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead the accounting team and oversee financial operations.
• Manage financial statement reporting and cash flow forecasting.
• Ensure compliance with financial reporting requirements and GAAP.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Financial Analysis

Education

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

CPA preferred

Tools

QuickBooks

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Position Summary:

We are seeking a Controller to lead and optimize the company’s accounting operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and strategic oversight. This role will be responsible for financial statement reporting, treasury (cash) management, annual budgeting, internal accounting processes and controls, and financial analysis, while overseeing two bookkeepers. The Controller will work closely with executive leadership, store managers, and external financial partners to enhance financial performance, support business growth, and maintain strong governance.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, develop, and coach the accounting team, including two bookkeepers, to ensure efficient, accurate, and scalable accounting operations.
• Lead process improvements and internal controls to enhance reporting accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Foster a high-performance culture, emphasizing value creation, reporting that supports decision-making, and accounting discipline.

2. Board & Executive Financial Reporting

• Financial Performance Analysis:
• Prepare and analyze profit and loss (P&L) reports, comparing budget vs. actual performance for YTD, MTD, and trailing 12 months.
• Develop and present key financial dashboards, simplifying data for leadership review and strategic planning.
• Prepare cash flow forecasting and budgeting, providing executive insights into financial trends and long-term projections.
• Identify risks, growth opportunities, and cost-saving measures for the Company.
• Board-Level Financial Oversight:
• Serve as the financial liaison to the board, presenting financial matters, forecasts, and business performance insights as directed by executive management.
• Ensure clear and timely communication of financial results, KPIs, and business trends to the board and executive leadership.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop strategic financial plans and risk mitigation strategies.

3. Financial Planning, Reporting & Compliance

• Advisory & Leadership Support:
• Advise the CEO and senior management on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, and funding matters.
• Develop and implement effective financial reporting and oversight processes, ensuring accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Ensure compliance with financial reporting requirements, including vendors, loan covenants, leases, taxes, and other regulatory agencies.
• Oversee local, state, and federal tax compliance, ensuring accurate and timely completion of tax filings and government reports (with support from outside professional service firms).
• Develop relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, shareholders, and banking partners, ensuring value-added accounting services and compliance.
• Internal Controls & Risk Management:
• Design and implement effective internal controls over financial transactions, reducing risk exposure.
• Manage financial compliance audits, ensuring adherence to GAAP and company policies.
• Support risk management services, including property, casualty, and employee benefits, balancing cost and risk exposure.

4. Day-to-Day Accounting & Financial Operations

• Oversee & Support Bookkeeping Operations:
• Supervise two bookkeepers, ensuring accuracy in A/P, inventory, bank reconciliations, and general ledger maintenance.
• Own financial close processes, including month-end, quarter-end, and year-end reconciliation.
• Conduct detailed reconciliation of all general ledger accounts, addressing any financial variances.
• Financial Statement Preparation & Treasury Management:
• Manage day-to-day treasury activities, ensuring timely forecasting of cash requirements and tracking of debt and interest-related obligations.
• Monitor and analyze weekly and monthly cash flow, flagging concerns and optimizing liquidity.
• Maintain accurate income statements and balance sheets, ensuring GAAP compliance.
• Audit, Tax & Compliance:
• Collaborate with external auditors and tax consultants to ensure compliance with all financial regulations.
• Ensure that financial records adhere to U.S. GAAP and all tax regulations.

5. Leadership & Talent Development

• Develop and mentor accounting talent, ensuring the team is capable of supporting the business needs.
• Provide training, goal setting, and performance management for bookkeepers and other accounting team members.
• Collaborate with marketing, operations, and purchasing teams to align financial strategy with business growth initiatives.
• Support the CEO in monitoring staff performance, assigning objectives, and ensuring cross-functional alignment.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred).
• 3 – 7 years of experience in accounting/financial leadership roles, preferably in retail, franchise, or multi-location businesses.
• Experience in GAAP compliance, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of cash flow management, forecasting, and debt compliance.
• Ability to analyze financial statements, drive profitability, and create actionable insights for leadership.
• Experience managing A/P, inventory, payroll, and benefits administration.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, growing retail environment with multiple locations.