Vice President & Controller, Accounting

Adventure is our Culture. Join a team that celebrates a lifestyle as bold as the terrain we love. At Backcountry, we are rooted in adventure, recognition, and wellbeing on and off the mountain. We spotlight employee stories, celebrate milestones, and offer exclusive outdoor perks. Whether you are at HQ, in a retail store, or remote, you will be part of a team that thrives on energy, exploration, and connection.

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah (Hybrid - 3x/week in-office)

Backcountry needs a finance leader who can own the entire accounting function — close processes, internal controls, tax, AP/AR, fraud, and external audit — while simultaneously modernizing how the team operates through AI adoption and automation. This role exists because the business is at a stage where accounting rigor, speed, and scalability must all improve in parallel.

As Accounting - VP & Controller
, you will lead a multi‑disciplinary accounting organization, serve as the primary liaison to external auditors and banking partners, and report results directly to the executive team and Board of Directors. Success in the first year means a materially faster monthly close, a documented internal controls environment, and at least one meaningful AI or automation initiative deployed and delivering measurable results.

This is a lean team. You will own a lot, move fast, and make decisions with full end‑to‑end responsibility.

• Maintain and continuously improve a documented system of accounting policies and procedures across all business units.
• Streamline the monthly close timeline to deliver timely financial results that enable faster decision‑making across leadership.
• Manage inventory control functions and ensure the integrity of inventory reporting across all business units.
• Oversee lease administration and real estate payables, ensuring obligations are tracked, reviewed, and settled accurately.

• Identify, pilot, and implement AI‑driven tools and automation across close processes, AP, reconciliation, and reporting with a clear mandate to reduce cycle times and manual effort.

• Manage the annual external audit process and ensure a strong internal control environment.
• Manage compliance with lenders and credit facilities, including annual valuations and field exams as required.
• Oversee tax strategy and all tax and regulatory filing obligations; maintain financial reporting policies in compliance with GAAP, FASB, and all applicable regulatory bodies.
• Serve as the key liaison between the company and external auditors and banking partners.

• Work closely with the finance team to provide senior management with a full picture of the business across the P&L, Cash Flow, and Balance Sheet.
• Report financial results to the executive team and Board of Directors.
• Lead, inspire, develop, and set direction for the Accounting, Tax, AR, Fraud, and AP teams.
• Support potential M&A activities, including due diligence and integration of acquired entities.

• CPA designation required.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role managing large accounting organizations.
• Complete knowledge of finance and accounting processes for a direct‑to‑consumer business, including multi‑location retail and e‑commerce operations.
• Thorough understanding of and working experience with GAAP, including emerging pronouncements; working knowledge of SOX compliance requirements and internal control frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience deploying accounting automation or AI tools (e.g., automated reconciliation, AI‑assisted close, AP automation) in a retail or e‑commerce environment.
• Experience serving as the primary point of contact for external auditors and banking relationships.
• Strong interpersonal skills, excellent attention to detail, and strong analytical capabilities.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed.

• Experience with Net Suite.
• Audit experience with a Big Four or national accounting firm.
• Prior…