Southwest Mobile Storage, Inc- Controller

Southwest Mobile Storage Inc.; Phoenix, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Immediate PTO eligibility

Holidays off

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k)

Health Savings Account

Job summary

Southwest Mobile Storage, Inc. is seeking a seasoned Controller in Phoenix to lead our accounting function and partner with the executive team on strategic financial decisions. You will own close processes, revenue recognition, and internal controls while driving profitability and operational efficiency.

The role demands strong GAAP knowledge, experience with multi-state payroll and tax obligations, and the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights for leadership.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, revenue recognition, lease accounting, fixed assets, and internal controls.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with executive leadership and influencing business decisions through financial analysis.
• Proven ability to lead process improvement initiatives and implement scalable financial and operational controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting functions including general ledger, month-end close, fixed assets, payroll, revenue recognition, and financial reporting.
• Provide financial insight, forecasting, and KPI dashboards to leadership.
• Drive process improvements and automation to improve profitability and efficiency.
• Collaborate with Operations, Sales, HR, and Executives to support organizational goals.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial analysis

Strategic leadership

Executive partnering

Payroll accounting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or MBA

Tools

Dynamics 365 Business Central

Power BI

Excel (Advanced)

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Phoenix, AZ, US

Controller

Southwest Mobile Storage, Inc.specializes in providing customized portable storage solutions through the sale, lease, and modification of shipping containers. Serving customers across multiple markets and locations, we are committed to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and exceptional customer service.

We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and hands-on Controller to lead our accounting function while serving as a key business partner for the executive leadership team. This position will play a critical role in driving financial strategy, improving business processes, strengthening internal controls, and providing actionable financial insights that support company growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Partnership

• Partner with executive leadership to provide financial insight, strategic recommendations, and decision support that drive business growth and profitability.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership by translating financial information into actionable business recommendations.
• Provide financial analysis, forecasting, and profitability reporting to support strategic planning and key business decisions.
• Evaluate operational and financial performance across the organization and identify opportunities to improve profitability, efficiency, and scalability.
• Drive process improvements and operational efficiencies throughout the organization, leveraging technology and automation where appropriate.
• Lead and participate in cross-functional projects that support business growth, improve operational effectiveness, and strengthen organizational performance.
• Establish, improve, and enforce accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure financial accuracy, compliance, risk mitigation, and accountability.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboards, and financial reporting tools to provide leadership with timely business intelligence.
• Assess business risks and opportunities and recommend solutions to enhance financial and operational performance.

Financial Leadership & Accounting Operations

• Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, month-end close, fixed assets, lease accounting, accruals, payroll accounting, revenue recognition, and financial reporting.
• Manage deferred revenue processes, including monthly revenue recognition, accruals, and supporting reconciliations.
• Prepare and review consolidated financial statements, monthly reporting packages, and financial analyses for leadership.
• Complete weekly cash reconciliations and prepare monthly cash flow reporting.
• Perform and review monthly balance sheet reconciliations, tie-outs, and account analyses.
• Ensure compliance with multi-state sales and use tax requirements, audits, and related reporting obligations.
• Oversee payroll-related accounting, including payroll accruals, commissions, vacation accruals, and payroll journal entries.
• Review inventory accounting, work order costing, maintenance-related inventory usage, and branch inventory transfers.
• Oversee expense reimbursements, company credit card programs, fraud prevention controls, and other operational accounting processes.
• Manage banking relationships and monitor cash management activities.
• Support annual audits, tax reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
• Establish clear performance expectations and provide coaching and development opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Sales, Human Resources, Payroll, and executive management to support organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Active CPA license preferred but not required.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, revenue recognition, lease accounting, fixed assets, and internal controls.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with executive leadership and influencing business decisions through financial analysis and strategic recommendations.
• Proven ability to lead process improvement initiatives and implement scalable financial and operational controls.
• Experience developing KPIs, dashboards, performance metrics, and executive-level reporting.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance operational objectives, financial controls, and growth initiatives.
• Experience managing month-end close processes and consolidated financial statements.
• Payroll accounting experience, including accruals and commission accounting.
• Inventory accounting experience preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency is required. Candidates must demonstrate experience with PivotTables, PivotCharts, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, complex formulas, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis of large data sets.
• Experience with Dynamics 365 Business Central required.
• Strong leadership, communication, project management, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Public accounting, audit, or consulting experience.
• Experience in a multi-entity, multi-location, or multi-state environment.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and cash flow management.
• Experience driving organizational change and business process improvements.
• Experience implementing systems, automation, or financial process improvements.
• Experience with Power BI or other business intelligence tools.

Experience

• 7-10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• 3+ years of leadership experience in a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar leadership role.
• Demonstrated ownership of financial reporting, month-end close, and accounting operations.
• Proven track record of partnering with executive leadership and supporting strategic business initiatives.
• Experience leading process improvement projects and developing scalable accounting functions.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or MBA preferred.
• Immediate PTO eligibility
• Holidays off
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k)
• Health Savings Account

Job Type:

Full-time, Onsite. *Not a Remote Position*

Main Office/Yard Location:

1005 N 50 th St Phoenix, AZ 85008

Who We Are:

Southwest Mobile Storage is a family-owned shipping container business founded in 1995. Our strength for 30 years comes from the specialized knowledge and passion of our people, along with serving over 24,000 commercial, construction and residential customers.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Southwest Mobile Storage Inc is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants.