Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Manager

Controller - Apopka, FL

Company: Live Trends Design Group

Location: Apopka, FL

Position: Controller

Department: Accounting

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt (Salaried)

ABOUT US

Live Trends Design Group is a recognized leader in the global home décor industry, bringing inspiration, creativity, and joy to more than 13 million homes each year. By blending the timeless beauty of Nature with the power of Art, we create distinctive products and experiences that are redefining the home décor landscape across North America and Europe.

Driven by innovation, exceptional design, and a passion for excellence, our brands:
Live Trends, Urban Jungle, and BeYou…are trusted by many of the world's leading retailers, including Lowe's, Target, Costco, Kroger, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, Publix, and more.

Just as importantly, we've built a workplace culture as remarkable as the products we create. Live Trends was recently recognized as a Top Workplace and earned additional Top Workplace Culture Excellence Awards for Leadership, Purpose & Values, Innovation, Employee Appreciation, and Professional Development...an achievement that reflects our commitment to developing great people, fostering creativity, and building an environment where employees can thrive.

At Live Trends, we're not just creating products for homes...we're creating opportunities for talented people to grow, innovate, and make a meaningful impact every day.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

Financial Leadership & Management

The Controller is a senior finance leader responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance for Live Trends Design Group. This role partners closely with Operations, Sales, Logistics, and HR to provide accurate financial insights that support operational decision-making, workforce planning, inventory management, and growth initiatives. The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-driven, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, floral, perishables, manufacturing, and distribution environment with high volume transactions.

Financial Reporting & General Ledger Management

Oversee all accounting functions including general ledger, AP/AR, payroll accounting, fixed assets, inventory accounting, and cost accounting

• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Lead the monthly close process, including reconciliations, accruals, and variance analysis
• Prepare financial reporting packages for executive leadership, including insights on margin, labor, inventory, and operational performance
• Ensure inter-company transactions and eliminations are accurately recorded and reconciled across the multi-entity structure.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Strategic Support

• Lead the annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts
• Partner with department leaders on workforce planning, including full-time vs. seasonal labor cost modeling
• Provide financial analysis to support capital investments, headcount planning, and operational initiatives
• Support long-range financial planning and growth strategies

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team
• Set clear expectations, performance goals, and development plans
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration

Audit and Internal Controls:

• Serve as a primary contact for external auditors, managing audit schedules and providing necessary documentation.
• Develop, document, and maintain strong internal controls over financial reporting across all entities, focusing specifically on control points for WIP and Inventory.

Technical Accounting & Compliance WIP and Inventory Management:

• Oversee the cost accounting function, including the development and maintenance of standard costs, variance analysis, and monitoring overhead absorption.
• Manage the valuation, impairment, and reconciliation of Work in Progress (WIP) accounts, ensuring accurate cost accumulation and revenue recognition.
• Direct the periodic physical inventory counts and cycle count program, ensuring proper valuation methodologies are applied (e.g., FIFO, Weighted Average).

Asset Lifecycle Management:

• Recording and…