Assistant Controller

Manage accounting activities related to all aspects of monthly, quarterly and year-end closes. The Assistant Controller will work in a "hands on" capacity and oversee close and day-to-day activities of the Financial Accounting and Inventory Accounting and Control departments. In addition, the Assistant Controller will play an important role in the process of reviewing and improving accounting policy and procedure for both Operational and Financial Accounting departments, and in creating an accounting policy and procedures manual.

Please note: Retail experience and a CPA or significant accounting experience are mandatory for this position.

Responsibilities

-         Direct and manage the day-to-day accounting activities

-         Manage the monthly close and all related financial reporting to meet scheduled due dates

-         Direct and manage accounting and controls for all inventory accounting systems.

-         Work with Controller to further strengthen external audit relationship.  Be key contact for auditors and reduce audit hours

-         Responsible for the timely and accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements

-         Research new accounting pronouncements and recommend to Controller any changes to current policy.

-         Interact with the Financial Planning and Analysis staff to perform monthly reviews of  actuals to forecast, assisting with action plans as needed

-         Participate in the annual budget process

-         Coordinate training and review of new accounting personnel

-         Recommend and implement changes in accounting processes and procedures to improve accuracy and relevance of financial data

-         Participate in cross-functional business process improvement teams, and act as Accounting function lead for all system implementations. 

-         representing the  accounting function, and implementing agreed upon change initiatives, as appropriate

Deliverables

-         Accounting activities that conform to standard processes, procedures and best practices

-         Timely and accurate monthly closes and financial reporting

-         Timely communication and effective resolution of issues

-         Documented recommendations for process improvements

-         Document current accounting processes, identify accounting control weaknesses and risks and recommend to Controller control solutions.

-         Smooth running accounting department as measured by employee satisfaction and “customer” feedback 

Experience

-         CPA with major public accounting firm experience or significant accounting experience required.

-         Minimum of 10 years accounting experience, including 2-4 years with Assistant Controller level responsibilities.

-         Strong business acumen, with proven accounting management/controllership skills in terms of GAAP and best practice financial controls

-         Proven experience managing an accounting department in a fast paced and rapidly changing environment

-         Experience in a company of comparable size and scope (revenues of $500 million +)

-         Proven ability to direct and maintain "world class" accounting processes is mandatory

-         Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting

Other attributes

-         Experienced in the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP

-         Proven experience in creating and maintaining strong external auditor relationships

-         Ability to work in a data challenged environment

-         Strong analytical and problem solving skills

-         Good attention to detail and strong follow-through

-         Excellent organizational and communication skills

-         Knowledge of Lawson a plus

-         Team player with the ability to work well with a broad range of people, across business functions in a fast paced, rapidly changing business environment.

-         Flexible and adaptable to change

-          Experience in building and training a high performance accounting team

-          Retail experience is mandatory