Publishing Controller: Lead Close, Reporting & Controls

The Rowman And Littlefield Publishing Group; Blue Ridge Summit (PA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Globe Pequot in Blue Ridge Summit, PA, is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead accounting and financial reporting for our approximately $20 million publishing company. The Controller will oversee the monthly close, financial reporting, cash management, budgeting, internal controls, accounts payable, royalty accounting, and publishing‑specific inventory and distributor activity.

The successful candidate is an experienced accounting leader with strong technical proficiency and the ability to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or other relevant professional certification preferred.
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including experience leading the financial close and preparing financial statements; prior supervisory experience required.
• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, internal controls, account reconciliations, financial reporting, budgeting, and cash management.
• Publishing, media, distribution, or other inventory‑based industry experience preferred; familiarity with royalty accounting, author advances, returns, and inventory reserves is highly desirable.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and demonstrated experience with accounting and financial reporting systems.
• Ability to analyze complex information, exercise sound judgment, resolve problems, and communicate clear recommendations to management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to manage priorities and deadlines in a hands‑on environment.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, integrity, and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules.
• Prepare and review financial statements and management reports in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and company policies.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts and investigate and resolve unusual balances, variances, and accounting discrepancies.
• Manage cash reporting and forecasting, bank reconciliations, banking activity, and working‑capital monitoring.
• Oversee accounts payable operations and supervise one accounts payable staff position, including vendor setup, invoice processing, payment controls, and annual Form 1099 reporting.
• Oversee royalty accounting and supervise two royalty accounting staff positions, including author and licensor statements, royalty calculations, advances, reserves, payments, and related reconciliations.
• Review distributor sales, returns, receivables, deductions, and settlement activity and ensure the accurate recording of revenue and related balances.
• Oversee inventory accounting, cost of goods sold, inventory reconciliations, title‑level costing, and reserves for excess or obsolete inventory.
• Coordinate the annual budget and periodic forecasts; analyze results against budget and prior periods and communicate significant trends and variances to management.
• Establish, document, and monitor effective internal controls, accounting policies, and approval procedures appropriate for a $20 million publishing company.
• Coordinate year‑end financial statement work, tax filings, insurance audits, and other compliance reporting with external accountants and advisors.
• Develop, coach, and evaluate accounting staff; assign work, establish deadlines, cross‑train team members, and promote accurate and timely service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, strengthen reporting, and improve the effective use of financial and royalty accounting systems.

Education

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

CPA or other relevant certification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Accounting software

ERP systems

Job description

Globe Pequot in Blue Ridge Summit, PA, is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead accounting and financial reporting for our approximately $20 million publishing company. The Controller will oversee the monthly close, financial reporting, cash management, budgeting, internal controls, accounts payable, royalty accounting, and publishing‑specific inventory and distributor activity.

The successful candidate is an experienced accounting leader with strong technical proficiency and the ability to