Controller, Accounting, Financial Reporting

Our PE-backed distribution client is looking to onboard a Controller part of a recent growth spurt in the organization (up 30% YoY). The role is 50/50 traditional accounting and special projects
- implementation, systems, AI and acquisition work while owning ME close and leading day-to-day accounting operations. Will oversee 2 direct reports.

The successful candidate is a motivated self-starter who enjoys wearing multiple hats and helping build scalable finance processes. They are comfortable working in a growing, approximately $35 million organization where initiative and creativity are highly valued. This individual sees accounting as more than compliance-they are eager to improve processes, partner across departments, and expand into broader finance and operational leadership over time.

Great opportunity for someone "taking the next step" in their career into a role with more responsibility and complexity. Flex PTO policy with 100% medical coverage for the employee.

Compensation: $160K + 20%

Key Responsibilities

• Core Accounting (Approximately 50%)
• Lead the day-to-day accounting operations of the business.
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close process, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Maintain oversight of the general ledger and ensure compliance with GAAP.
• Supervise and develop the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions.
• Oversee inventory accounting and cost accounting activities, ensuring accurate valuation and reporting.
• Identify and resolve accounting issues while improving the overall efficiency and accuracy of financial processes.
• Strategic Projects (Approximately 50%)
• Serve as a key member of the ERP implementation team, supporting a targeted go-live later this year.
• Drive process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, scalability, and internal controls.
• Partner with leadership on AI and automation initiatives to modernize accounting and finance processes.
• Support acquisition integration efforts, including accounting process alignment and system integration.
• Gain exposure to budgeting, forecasting, and FP&A activities while partnering with finance leadership on business planning and analysis.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations and leadership to support the company's continued growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 5-10 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Public accounting experience is highly preferred; outstanding candidates may be considered directly from public accounting.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and month-end close processes.
• Experience leading or mentoring accounting staff.
• Ability to thrive in environments with evolving processes and limited structure.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working in a private equity-backed organization.
• Background in inventory-intensive, manufacturing, wholesale, or distribution environments.
• Experience supporting ERP implementations or major systems conversions.
• Exposure to M&A integration activities.
• Familiarity with process automation or AI-driven accounting initiatives.

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Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting.

The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer:
Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied.

Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.

Equal Opportunity Notice

Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically…