Assistant Controller

Fleet Farm | Appleton, WI | Onsite

Are you an experienced accounting professional ready to take your leadership career to the next level? Do you enjoy solving complex financial challenges, developing people, and finding ways to make processes better?

Fleet Farm is looking for an Assistant Controller to join our Finance and Accounting leadership team at our Store Support Center in Appleton, Wisconsin.

This is more than an opportunity to manage accounting operations. You'll play an important role in strengthening our financial processes, developing a high-performing team, and partnering with leaders across the organization. You'll also have the opportunity to learn the business alongside experienced finance leaders, with the potential to grow into a future Controller role.

We're looking for someone who brings strong technical accounting expertise, a collaborative leadership style, and a genuine passion for helping people succeed.

Lead Financial Accounting Operations

• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.

• Prepare and review financial statements, general ledger activity, account reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and reserves.

• Apply GAAP principles to complex accounting transactions and financial reporting matters.

• Provide oversight of inventory accounting, including valuation, shrink, reserves, vendor allowances, and related financial activities.

• Support external financial reporting, audits, and tax-related activities in partnership with internal and external resources.

• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure the integrity of financial information.

Develop and Lead a Strong Team

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of accounting professionals.

• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.

• Encourage independent problem-solving and help employees strengthen their technical accounting skills.

• Establish clear expectations while providing the guidance and support needed for team success.

Drive Improvements and Business Partnerships

• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, improve efficiencies, and strengthen financial controls.

• Partner with IT, Inventory, Finance, and other departments to investigate discrepancies and resolve complex accounting challenges.

• Leverage financial systems and technology to improve accuracy, reporting, and productivity.

• Collaborate with the Controller and other finance leaders to support business initiatives and sound financial decision-making.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field.

• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential.

• Significant progressive accounting experience, ideally 8–10+ years, including financial reporting and general ledger management.

• Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, and developing accounting professionals.

• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial statement preparation, account reconciliations, and month-end close processes.

• Experience with inventory accounting, including valuation, reserves, and related financial impacts.

• Experience working with a large enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.

• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in retail, manufacturing, or distribution.

• Previous experience as an Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or Senior Accounting Manager.

• Experience with Oracle, SAP, or comparable enterprise accounting systems.

• Public accounting experience.

• Familiarity with LIFO, UNICAP, and inventory-related tax considerations.

• Experience implementing process improvements, automation, or financial system enhancements.

• Familiarity with SQL or financial data analysis tools.

We believe great accounting leaders bring more than technical expertise.

You'll thrive in this role if you're someone who:

• Leads with confidence and humility. You bring expertise to the table while remaining open to different perspectives.

• Enjoys developing people. You take pride in helping others grow, solve problems, and reach their potential.

• Thinks critically. You're naturally curious, ask thoughtful questions, and enjoy getting to the root of complex issues.

• Builds relationships. You work well with different personalities and know how to collaborate across teams.

• Embraces improvement. You look for better ways of doing things while taking the time to understand the business.

• Takes ownership. You're comfortable making decisions, communicating challenges, and following through on commitments.

At Fleet Farm, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within an established retail organization while continuing to grow professionally.

This role offers the chance to lead important accounting functions, influence process improvements, work alongside experienced finance leadership, and develop a team that plays a critical role in our business.

For the right individual, this position also offers a long-term opportunity to grow into a Controller-level leadership role.

If you're ready to bring your accounting expertise, leadership skills, and fresh perspective to a company where you can make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Fleet Farm and take the next step in your accounting leadership career!

Fleet Farm is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and gives all applicants for employment equal consideration regardless of race, color, sex, gender, ethnicity, religious creed or belief, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status, military or veteran status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law. Upon request and consistent with applicable laws, Fleet Farm will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities who need an accommodation to fully participate in the application process.