Strategic Controller - Wholesale Fashion

AKIRA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Pet Insurance

Life Insurance

FSA/HSA

CTA transit benefits

401(k)

Employee discount

Job summary

Azalea Wang is seeking an experienced Controller to lead the accounting function for a fast-moving wholesale footwear and fashion business. This full-time onsite role based in Chicago requires ownership of the complete accounting cycle from daily transactions through month-end close, financial reporting, and audit readiness.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in wholesale apparel/footwear, a track record of building processes, leading a team, and delivering accurate financials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required (CPA preferred but not required).
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience in wholesale apparel, footwear, or retail with at least 2 years in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role.
• Demonstrated ownership of the full month-end close cycle.
• Hands-on experience with wholesale AR - retailer deductions, remittance reconciliation, and high-volume vendor management.
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting, COGS, and cost of goods in a wholesale environment.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute the full monthly, quarterly, and annual close cycle end-to-end.
• Prepare and review financial statements, supporting schedules, and variance analysis.
• Ensure timely and accurate revenue recognition, inventory accounting, and expense accruals.
• Maintain general ledger integrity and manage the chart of accounts.
• Deliver clean, audit-ready financials to leadership on a consistent close calendar.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning.
• Manage accounts receivable for wholesale accounts including department stores and specialty retailers.
• Reconcile retailer remittances against open invoices and resolve deductions.
• Oversee AP operations including high-volume invoice processing and vendor reconciliation.
• Manage inventory reconciliations, reserves, and shrink/write-off analysis.
• Build and maintain internal controls and process documentation.
• Partner with IT/admin on system configuration, data integrity, and automation opportunities.
• Collaborate with operations, sales, merchandising, and logistics on financial reporting and planning.
• Support annual audit preparation and act as primary contact for external auditors.

Skills

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Financial analysis

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Communication

Audit readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

NetSuite

Excel

Job description

Azalea Wang is seeking an experienced Controller to lead the accounting function for a fast-moving wholesale footwear and fashion business. This full-time onsite role based in Chicago requires ownership of the complete accounting cycle from daily transactions through month-end close, financial reporting, and audit readiness.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in wholesale apparel/footwear, a track record of building processes, leading a team, and delivering accurate financials.