Financial Controller

About the Employer
  • NextStep Recruiting
  • Verified
Annual Salary
$175K - $200K

Job Description

Company Overview

We are a growing multi-location consumer products company specializing in candles and related product lines sold through domestic and international distribution channels. As we continue to expand, we are seeking a highly analytical and business-minded Financial Controller to serve as a key strategic partner to the CEO and leadership team.

This is a newly created position for someone who can go beyond traditional accounting and help drive financial performance, profitability, forecasting, and operational decision-making across the organization.

Position Summary

The Financial Controller will oversee the financial health of the business by managing forecasting, budgeting, cash flow, payroll, profitability analysis, and operational financial controls. This individual will be responsible for tracking company performance across multiple brands, departments, product categories, and locations while providing actionable insights to improve profitability and efficiency.

The ideal candidate is not simply reporting numbers—they are helping leadership make smarter business decisions, identifying areas of overspending, improving margins, and holding key stakeholders accountable to financial goals.

Key Responsibilities

  • Financial Planning & Analysis
  • Develop and maintain financial forecasts, budgets, and long-term business projections.
  • Analyze company performance and provide recommendations to improve profitability.
  • Track sales, profit margins, and overall financial performance across brands, departments, and product lines.
  • Evaluate seasonal versus non-seasonal inventory performance and profitability.
  • Cash Flow & Financial Management
  • Monitor cash flow and working capital needs.
  • Manage and track utilization of company lines of credit.
  • Ensure the business maintains appropriate liquidity throughout seasonal cycles.
  • Oversee month-end financial close processes and ensure accurate reporting.
  • Operational Finance
  • Analyze operational expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities.
  • Monitor freight, trucking, shipping, and logistics expenses to reduce unnecessary spending.
  • Evaluate pricing strategies and margin performance to support informed pricing decisions.
  • Work closely with leadership on inventory planning and purchasing decisions.
  • Executive Partnership
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and leadership team.
  • Hold departments accountable for budgets and financial performance.
  • Provide financial insight and recommendations that support strategic decision-making.
  • Present financial reports, KPIs, forecasts, and performance trends in a clear and actionable manner.
  • Accounting & Payroll Oversight
  • Oversee payroll processing and related financial controls.
  • Ensure financial records are accurate, timely, and compliant.
  • Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, and financial partners as needed.
  • Multi-Location & International Oversight
  • Monitor financial performance across two company locations.
  • Track profitability and expenses by department and business unit.
  • Work with international distributors and vendors to manage costs and financial reporting.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
  • CPA, MBA, or advanced financial certification preferred.
  • 7+ years of progressive accounting, finance, or controller experience.
  • Experience managing forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis for a product-based business.
  • Strong understanding of inventory, distribution, supply chain, and operational finance.
  • Experience overseeing payroll, cash flow, and line-of-credit management.
  • Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial reporting systems.


Desired Traits

  • Strategic thinker who understands both finance and business operations.
  • Comfortable challenging assumptions and holding leadership accountable.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Ability to influence decision-making through data and financial insights.


What Success Looks Like

  • Improved forecasting accuracy and financial visibility.
  • Increased profitability across brands, departments, and locations.
  • Reduced operational waste and unnecessary spending.
  • Better management of seasonal inventory cycles.
  • Strong financial controls and accountability throughout the organization.
  • A CEO who can confidently make decisions based on accurate financial data and strategic guidance.


This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on Financial Controller who wants to have a direct impact on the growth, profitability, and strategic direction of a growing business.

Experience Required

7 and up