Santa Ynez Winery Controller

Benchmark Consulting; Santa Ynez (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Benchmark Consulting, based in Santa Ynez, California, is seeking a Controller responsible for financial reporting and accounting operations. The role includes ensuring accurate reporting and compliance with US GAAP, leading the accounting team and managing financial processes.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in finance and accounting, preferably with extensive experience in the wine industry and proven leadership skills.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years in a nationally recognized public accounting firm.
• Experience as a sitting Controller for 3+ years.
• Four to six years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage company's accounting operations and financial reporting.
• Drive timely monthly close process and financial reporting.
• Oversee cost accounting functions for wine blends.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of finance

Accounting principles

Communication skills

Quickbooks Desktop & Online

Cost accounting principles

Team management

Education

Bachelor's in Finance, Accounting, or Business

MBA preferred

Current CPA designation

Tools

Quickbooks Desktop

Quickbooks Online

Job description

The Controller will be responsible for providing day‑to‑day leadership for the company's accounting operations, financial reporting.

The Controller will direct the company's accounting and financial reporting policies in accordance with US GAAP. Supervises accounting department.

This individual will ensure accurate and timely reporting, maintenance of accounting records, efficient processing, and be a steward of established financial controls.

VALUES

• Integrity
• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Results driven

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The following reflects management's definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Responsible for all company accounting processes and functions, including timely and accurate recording and reporting of all financial transactions and system reconciliations.

• Drive a timely monthly close process, with accurate accrual and cash-based financials and budgeting.
• Internal reporting, general ledger, bank reconciliations, fixed asset management, taxes and insurance, credit card reports, weekly cash reports, sales reports, management reports.
• With an external firm, direct the preparation and timely filing of all required tax returns and other statutory filings.
• Ensure adequate tracking & reporting of inventory movement while maintaining the integrity of the systems used to monitor the process.
• Oversee the cost accounting function which tracks numerous wine blends ensuring monthly cost assessments are made appropriately each period.
• Maintain systems responsible for the tracking and reporting of wine movements to the regulatory agencies.
• Development and implement short- and long-range departmental objectives, policies, and operating procedures.
• Identify cost control measures and initiatives to ensure that the organization is run in a cost-effective manner.
• Recruit, train, supervise and evaluate bookkeeper.

EXPERIENCE

• Advanced knowledge of finance, accounting, collections, budgeting, tax, banking, cash management, regulatory requirements, and cost control principles are required.
• Possess a proven record of recruiting, managing, and motivating a financial accounting team.
• Able to manage and prioritize multiple projects while simultaneously meeting all goals and deadlines.
• Demonstrates excellent writing, communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of cost-accounting principles
• Experience working in the wine industry a plus.
• Hands‑on experience working with Quickbooks Desktop & Quickbooks Online.
• Preferred experience with Innovint integration.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's in Finance, Accounting, or Business; MBA preferred with a current CPA designation desired and 3-5 years in a nationally recognized public accounting firm.
• Worked as a sitting Controller for 3+ years.
• Four to six years related experience and/or training.
• Working knowledge of forecasting and financial reports.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret economic conditions and anticipate the impact on the organization.
• Basic competence in duties and tasks of supervised employees.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Data Inventory Flexibility BASIC Development Financial Transactions Cash Management Accounting Software Organization Asset Management Operations Regulatory Requirements General Ledger Analysis