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Corporate Controller – CFO path

$180-220k plus bonus

Sunrise, FL – hybrid schedule

Bell & Associates has been engaged to help our client recruit their next Corporate Controller.  This position is a strategic finance leadership role created to build a clear, structured path to the Chief Financial Officer role. The successful candidate will bring executive-level financial acumen, sound judgment, and the maturity to operate as a trusted advisor to the CFO and other members of the Executive team, while progressively assuming greater ownership of the finance function over time. Success in this role requires more than strong technical accounting skills — it demands strategic thinking, financial modeling and forecasting expertise, and fluency in multi-channel revenue and margin analysis across retail/wholesale and digital/marketing channels. This person is an intuitive thinker and strategist, able to bring upside, neutral, and downside perspectives to growth initiatives, and is a focused leader and mentor to the team. This individual should have the leadership presence to stabilize and elevate a finance organization that is continuing to grow through upcoming successions over the next several years. Candidates should bring a blend of manufacturing, operations, retail/wholesale, and digital marketing environments, with a demonstrated track record of taking on increasing scope and responsibility.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises two groups with different needs: the Controller, who continues to own day-to-day accounting execution as a senior individual contributor with no direct reports of his own, and a team of Staff Accountants/Financial Analysts who are being realigned from Operations back into the Accounting department. This role is expected to rebuild a stable, well-functioning accounting team following that transition, put clear performance standards and development plans in place for the staff, and ensure the Controller is well-supported and positioned to succeed in his role.

Responsibilities

• Review and approve the monthly and quarterly close, adjustments, and financial statements to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and quality
• Stabilize and elevate the Accounting and Financial Analysis team following its transition back from Operations, establishing clear structure, workflows, and performance standards
• Review the monthly borrowing base report and oversee sales tax filing compliance prior to submission
• Own the external audit relationship and audit response process, and continuously strengthen internal controls, compliance, and payment controls (including wire/ACH approvals) across the finance organization, with a goal of zero material weaknesses or compliance findings
• Manage cash flow and working capital across the business, including inventory financing, wholesale credit terms, accounts receivable, and vendor payables
• Track and analyze profit margins and financial performance across retail/wholesale accounts, digital marketing spend, and social media advertising, evaluating Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) and Lifetime Value (LTV) against marketing investment
• Lead new initiatives and cross-functional process improvement projects, partnering with IT and the Controller on Business Central (ERP) and inventory management systems
• Partner with the CEO, CFO, and senior staff — working closely with all internal stakeholders — to build long-term strategic growth plans, revenue models, and the Company’s Annual Budget, including the formats and timelines required by bank and financing sources
• Lead financial due diligence and support expansion opportunities as the company continues to grow domestically and internationally
• Serve as a key strategic partner to the CFO across finance operations, planning, and decision-making — participating in board and executive activities and mentoring the Controller and broader finance team — with increasing scope over time as part of formal succession planning toward the CFO role and succession in other areas of the organization

Requirements

• MBA or Master of Science in Accounting preferred
• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required
• 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance leadership experience, including experience in manufacturing, operations, and retail/wholesale environments
• Mastery of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Advanced analytical and financial modeling skills
• Experience with forecasting and cash flow/working capital optimization, including inventory financing and wholesale credit terms
• Experience with ERP implementation and process improvement; Business Central and inventory management software experience a plus
• Ability to evaluate Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) and Lifetime Value (LTV) against marketing budgets
• Deep understanding of manufacturing, operations, and retail/wholesale supply chains, including inventory turnover and B2B/B2C margin structures
• Experience in team leadership, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration
• Audit experience required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills
• Executive presence and demonstrated readiness to grow into a Chief Financial Officer role

BETTER TALENT. BETTER OPPORTUNITY. FIND IT HERE.

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Bell & Associates, Inc. is a recognized Executive Recruiting & Staffing leader based in Kansas City. We focus and specialize in the following practice areas – Accounting/Finance, Engineering, Executive Leadership, Financial Institutions, Healthcare, Human Resources, Information Technology, Manufacturing/Operations Management.  We provide top talent to our clients on a Direct Hire, Contract, and Contract-to-Hire basis.