Controller

Long Beverage Controller

Department: Accounting
Reports To: President
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for directing all accounting, financial reporting, payroll, benefits administration, compliance, and financial planning activities for a beverage wholesale distribution company. This position ensures the integrity of financial records, safeguards company assets, supports strategic decision-making, and provides leadership for accounting, payroll, and administrative functions.

The Controller serves as a key member of the management team and partners closely with sales, operations, warehouse, fleet, and supplier partners to ensure financial objectives are met while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and industry regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Direct all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and cash management.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Lead month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Analyze financial performance and provide review to President.
• Present financial results and key performance indicators to ownership.
• Maintain strong internal controls and financial reporting processes.

Beverage Industry Accounting

• Oversee inventory accounting and valuation for all beverage products.
• Review and reconcile supplier programs, incentives, bill-backs, depletion allowances, rebates, and marketing funds.
•  Assist in monitoring product profitability, inventory turns, breakage, and warehouse shrinkage.

Excise Tax & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure timely and accurate filing and payment of all excise taxes.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local alcohol beverage regulations.
• Oversee sales tax, payroll tax, property tax, and annual reporting requirements.
• Coordinate external audits, tax engagements, and regulatory examinations.
• Monitor changes in industry regulations and advise management on compliance requirements.

Payroll, Benefits & Human Resources Administration

• Oversee payroll processing and payroll compliance.
• Assist in managing employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and related reporting.
• Assist with annual benefits renewals and budgeting.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, wage and hour regulations, and payroll reporting requirements.
• Support human resources with onboarding, compensation administration, and employee records management.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding employee compensation and personnel matters.

Accounts Receivable & Credit Management

• Supervise customer credit and collections activities.
• Monitor customer aging and credit risk exposure.
• Develop and enforce collection policies and procedures.
• Review and approve customer credit limits.
• Work with sales leadership to resolve collection issues.

Fleet, Warehouse & Operational Analysis

• Analyze warehouse, delivery, and fleet operating costs.
• Monitor fuel, vehicle maintenance, and equipment expenses.
• Partner with operations leadership to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Support inventory control and physical inventory processes.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop accounting, payroll, and administrative staff.
• Establish performance expectations and accountability standards.
• Train, coach, and mentor employees.
• Promote a culture of accuracy, customer service, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a trusted financial advisor to senior leadership.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain and optimize ERP, accounting, payroll, and reporting systems.
• Lead implementation of new accounting and financial technologies.
• Improve reporting efficiency and financial visibility throughout the organization.
• Develop dashboards and KPI reporting for management.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA designation strongly preferred.

Experience

• 7-10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Minimum of 3-5 years in a leadership role.
• Beverage distribution, wholesale distribution, foodservice, logistics, or consumer products experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with inventory-intensive businesses required.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience with inventory accounting and cost accounting.
• Knowledge of beverage distribution operations and supplier programs preferred.
• Understanding of excise tax reporting and regulatory compliance.
• Advanced Excel proficiency.
• Experience with ERP, payroll, and business intelligence systems.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

Key Performance Indicators

• Month-end close completed within established deadlines.
• Financial statement accuracy.
• Inventory variance performance.
• Accounts receivable aging and DSO.
• Cash flow performance.
• Budget versus actual results.
• Excise tax and compliance accuracy.
• Audit findings and internal control effectiveness.
• Employee retention and department performance.

Preferred Attributes

• Hands-on leader willing to work in both strategic and operational capacities.
• Strong business partner mindset.
• High integrity and commitment to confidentiality.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced distribution environment.
• Continuous improvement and process-oriented mindset.

Benefits

• Strong, competitive salary
• Excellent health, vision, dental and life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Time off benefits including paid holidays