Controller

River Valley Holdings is a family-owned distribution company based in Syracuse, NY, serving retail customers across the northeastern United States. The River Valley family of companies: River Valley Foods, Cavallaro Foods and Garden Spot Foods, distributes a wide range of specialty dry and frozen grocery items and consumable products out of warehouses in Syracuse, NY and New Holland, PA.

Overview:
The Controller is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing all financial operations at River Valley Holdings, Inc. This position will manage core accounting functions, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls while providing strategic financial insights to senior leadership. Reporting to the Vice President of Operations and Technology, the Controller will help drive financial health and growth across the organization.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (on-site)

Salary Range: $100K - $150K

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting

• Ensure timely, accurate financial transactions that support profitability reporting.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
• Present key financial insights and trends to senior leadership.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the development of annual budgets in collaboration with department leaders.
• Monitor budget performance, provide variance analysis, and forecast financial trends to guide decision-making.

Financial Analysis & Strategy

• Analyze financial data to identify opportunities for cost savings and revenue growth.
• Provide strategic financial guidance to support business decisions and expansion.
• Evaluate investment opportunities and assess their impact.

Banking & Treasury Management

• Maintain strong relationships with banking partners to ensure access to financial services that support operational needs.
• Monitor and manage cash flow, liquidity, and banking transactions to ensure financial stability.
• Negotiate banking terms and agreements to optimize financing and banking services.
• Ensure compliance with all bank covenants and manage debt-related activities.

Tax Reporting & Compliance

• Oversee all tax reporting, including federal, state, and local tax filings.
• Ensure timely and accurate filing of tax returns and compliance with tax regulations.
• Collaborate with external tax advisors to optimize tax strategies and mitigate risks.
• Manage sales and use tax reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Audit Management

• Coordinate and manage external financial audits, ensuring all necessary documentation and records are prepared.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and address audit findings.
• Ensure compliance with audit requirements and implement any recommended improvements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of audit standards and regulatory changes to ensure ongoing compliance.

Accounting Operations

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Oversee day-to-day accounting functions (A/P, A/R, general ledger).
• Drive continuous improvement, automation, and efficiency in financial processes.
• Implement and maintain robust accounting policies to safeguard assets.
• Provide training to enhance team capabilities and ensure continuous improvement

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role such as Controller, Finance Director, or similar.
• Proven track record of managing accounting teams, overseeing complex financial reporting, and budgeting processes.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment, preferably within food distribution, manufacturing, logistics, or similar industries.
• Expertise in U.S. GAAP, financial reporting standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Advanced proficiency in financial systems, accounting software, including ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong understanding of cash flow management, tax compliance, and audit processes.
• Experience with process automation and systems integration to enhance financial operations.
• Exceptional leadership and team management abilities, with a proven ability to develop, mentor, and retain high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience in strategic planning, financial modeling, and evaluating investment opportunities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• High level of professional integrity and ethics, with a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of financial accuracy and compliance.

Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Flexible Paid Time Off
• Company-paid holidays
• Health, prescription, and dental insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Supplemental insurance options
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee assistance program
• Employee purchase program
• Company cell phone
• Annual bonus potential

River Valley Holdings is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)