First Controller, Inventory & Close Leader (Onsite)

Brilliant®; Port Arthur (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Brilliant is seeking its first Controller to lead the accounting function for a manufacturing/distribution client near Lake Charles, onsite initially. You will partner with operations to optimize inventory, cost of goods sold, and working capital, while directing the monthly close and financial reporting.

The role requires hands-on leadership with a focus on internal controls, policy development, and cross-functional collaboration to drive performance and audit readiness.

Qualifications

• Experience with inventory accounting and COGS; owns close and reporting.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• Hands-on leader who works with cross-functional teams in day-to-day accounting.
• Approximately 7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience in industrial distribution, manufacturing, or inventory-intensive business preferred.
• Financial systems implementation or conversion experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Partner with purchasing and operations to improve inventory accuracy, understand product costs and manage working capital.
• Lead monthly, quarterly and annual close activities, including financial statement preparation and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Coach 1 staff accountant.
• Establish practical accounting policies, approval procedures and internal controls.
• Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable and inventory accounting activities.
• Collaborate with leadership on budgets, forecasts and business performance reviews.
• Monitor inventory valuation, COGS, reserves, aging and slow-moving or obsolete stock.
• Develop management reports that explain performance drivers and translate financial data into actionable recommendations.
• Improve accounting workflows, reduce manual effort and strengthen audit readiness.
• Monitor collections and cash conversion while strengthening controls around inventory movements, adjustments and physical counts.

Skills

Inventory accounting

Close & reporting

Leadership

Internal controls

Cross-functional collaboration

Budgeting/forecasting

People management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Brilliant is seeking its first Controller to lead the accounting function for a manufacturing/distribution client near Lake Charles, onsite initially. You will partner with operations to optimize inventory, cost of goods sold, and working capital, while directing the monthly close and financial reporting.

The role requires hands-on leadership with a focus on internal controls, policy development, and cross-functional collaboration to drive performance and audit readiness.