Controller (Apparel company)

Company DescriptionOur client is a privately held apparel company headquartered in Manhattan, with a long-standing wholesale business serving mid- to upper-tier department stores and select large national retailers. The organization is highly operational and product-led, with approximately 50 employees on-site and in-house sample capabilities (including cutting and sewing), complemented by overseas development and manufacturing partners. The culture is fast-paced and performance-oriented, with a strong emphasis on accountability, collaboration, and consistent in-office engagement.Objective of the RoleThe Controller will serve as the head of accounting and finance, providing rigorous financial reporting and controls while acting as a practical business partner to the on-site President. The primary objective is to strengthen reporting, costing, and inventory disciplines and to improve the flow of information and processes across sales, production/pre-production, design, warehouse, and finance; eliminating any redundancy and manual entry when possible. Monthly financial closing should be completed within 20 days after month's end.Ideal ProfileThe ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting leader with the presence and communication skills to work effectively with senior leadership and to influence non-financial stakeholders. Prior Controller experience in apparel/fashion is preferred; candidates from broader consumer products are also of interest when they have supported wholesale businesses selling to major retailers and department stores (e.g., Walmart, Target, Macy's, Kohl's, Sam's Club). This role suits an operator who can diagnose issues quickly, implement pragmatic process improvements, and remain appropriately detailed in a deadline-driven environment. The position is expected to be on-site daily initially; limited flexibility may be considered once fully established.ResponsibilitiesLead the monthly close and deliver accurate, timely financial statements and management reporting.Own inventory and COGS accounting, including reconciliations, reserves, and margin analysis.Improve product costing and profitability analysis by style, customer, and channel; establish disciplined variance tracking.Maintain and enhance internal controls over financial reporting and key operational processes.Partner with the President on annual budgeting and forecasting cadence.Improve data integrity and process flow across sales, production/pre-production, design, warehouse, and finance.Coordinate inventory controls, cycle counts, and physical inventory planning and execution.Provide clear financial insights to non-financial teams and support leadership on special projects.Oversee finance operations and develop a small team (payroll, AP/AR, administrative support), leveraging external advisors as needed.Provide light oversight of finance-related systems and third-party vendors to support operational efficiency. RequirementsCPA strongly preferred; an MBA may be considered with substantial, directly relevant Controller experience.Minimum 5+ years in a Controller or equivalent senior accounting leadership role within apparel/fashion or consumer products with meaningful inventory and costing complexity.Demonstrated strength in cost accounting, inventory accounting, margin analytics, and internal controls.Experience with ERP and inventory management systems; advanced Excel proficiency.Strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to challenge constructively while remaining collaborative.Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, on-site environment.