Controller (Consumer Industry)

About Howard Financial

Howard Financial is a full-service back-office solution for companies and entities with bookkeeping, payroll, and bespoke reporting needs that require accuracy, timeliness, and institutional-quality reporting without the burden of full-time staff.

We are an experienced team of bookkeepers and administrators with multiple decades of combined experience across industries allowing companies to focus on their core business while we handle the rest.

Founded in 2023, our team of 90 professionals supports ~40 clients across a diverse range of industries. We recently reached $5M of contracted ARR and are growing rapidly (over 150% MRR growth YTD).

We are seeking a highly experienced, hands-on Controller to lead and scale the accounting and finance operations for our growing consumer-focused business. This leader will be both strategic and operational—owning financial integrity while actively partnering with executive leadership and external clients.

The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced consumer environments, excels in client communication and relationship management, and has a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams.

• Oversee all accounting operations including GL, AP/AR, payroll, revenue recognition, inventory, and cost accounting.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes with accuracy and timeliness.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and all regulatory requirements.
• Develop, implement, and optimize internal controls and financial policies.
• Partner with executive leadership on financial planning, forecasting, and strategic initiatives.

• Manage financial reporting related to consumer revenue streams, margins, pricing models, and promotional impacts.
• Oversee inventory accounting and cost management in a consumer-driven environment.
• Analyze sales performance, channel profitability, and customer trends.
• Support operational scaling initiatives with strong financial discipline.

• Serve as a financial liaison for key clients and partners.
• Communicate financial insights clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Build trusted relationships across internal teams, external partners, and executive leadership.
• Support audits, investor inquiries, and board reporting as needed.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish scalable processes to support company growth.
• Recruit and retain top-tier accounting talent.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA strongly preferred).
• 8–12+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience.
• 4+ years in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role.
• Experience in a consumer-focused, retail, e-commerce, or CPG environment.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and audit processes.
• Proven experience leading teams and scaling finance functions.
• Exceptional communication and client-facing skills.
• Hands-on leader willing to dive into details when necessary.
• ERP system experience (NetSuite preferred).

• Strategic thinker with operational execution strength
• Client-centric mindset
• High integrity and accountability
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership abilities
• Ability to thrive in dynamic, growth-oriented environments

• Opportunity to shape and scale a growing consumer business
• Direct exposure to executive leadership
• High-impact, visible role
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture