Controller

Job Title: Controller
Supervises: Accounting & Payroll Manager, IT
Location: Ramsey, MN

Compensation: $180-220k + bonus potential
Primary Purpose of this Position

The Controller is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing all financial and accounting operations while maintaining a strategic view of the company's financial health. This role ensures the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of financial records and processes while providing actionable insights to support company growth. Additionally, the Controller oversees IT systems to ensure they effectively support operational goals and provide scalable solutions. The Controller fosters a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement, ensuring the organization operates at peak financial and operational efficiency.
Principal Duties
Strategic and Financial Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, offering insights to support data-driven decision-making.
• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with growth objectives and operational priorities.
• Provide leadership in the preparation of long-term financial forecasts, ensuring alignment with business plans.
• Drive initiatives to improve financial performance, increase profitability, and manage risks effectively.

Financial Management and Reporting

• Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Prepare and present financial statements and key performance metrics to leadership and stakeholders.
• Establish, monitor, and continuously improve internal controls, ensuring compliance with GAAP and other relevant regulations.
• Oversee cash flow management, including liquidity analysis, credit management, and debt strategy.

Operational Oversight

• Collaborate with departmental leaders to align financial objectives with operational priorities.
• Analyze operational data and performance metrics to identify areas of improvement and implement corrective measures.
• Develop processes and systems to enhance efficiency and support scalability.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and mentor the Finance/Accounting and IT teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
• Recruit, train, and develop talent within the department to ensure strong succession planning and career growth opportunities.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, setting clear expectations and goals for team members.

Information Technology Oversight

• Oversee the IT function, ensuring systems are secure, reliable, and meet business needs.
• Collaborate with the IT team to identify, evaluate, and implement technology solutions that support operational efficiency and scalability.
• Develop and maintain policies for data security, system integrity, and business continuity planning.
• Stay informed of emerging technologies and industry trends to ensure competitiveness.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all financial, tax, and regulatory requirements, including timely and accurate filings.
• Act as the primary liaison with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory agencies.
• Maintain and update policies and procedures to mitigate financial and operational risks.
• Manage relationships with external banking, insurance, and legal partners, ensuring alignment with company goals.

Key Personal Characteristics

• Integrity: A high level of ethical standards and accountability.
• Leadership: A servant leader who inspires trust, builds relationships, and drives performance.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work cross-functionally and build consensus.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and is comfortable managing change.
• Analytical Thinking: Able to distill complex financial information into actionable insights.
• Communication: Articulate and clear in presenting financial data and business strategies to diverse audiences.

Position Qualifications
Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; CPA designation strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including at least 5 years in a Controller or senior finance leadership role.
• Experience in industries with multi-site or multi-division operations is a plus.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting standards.
• Experience with ERP systems and financial software solutions.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience implementing or optimizing accounting and reporting systems.
• Knowledge of IT systems and cybersecurity best practices is a plus.

Preferred Experience

• Working knowledge of mergers, acquisitions, and integration activities.
• Experience managing relationships with external auditors, bankers, and other financial partners.

Work Environment

• General Overview: Position primarily operates in an office setting, with occasional visits to operational sites as required.
• Travel: Minimal travel required, primarily for client, vendor, or stakeholder meetings.
• Physical Demands: Minimal; standard office activities such as sitting, typing, and using office equipment.