Sr. Controller

This role oversees the accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance activities of a closely held S-Corporation and is both strategic and hands-on, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, audit readiness, and full compliance with multi-state sales tax requirements. It requires deep experience in audit, ERP implementations, and multi-state sales and use tax, and serves as a key business partner to executive leadership during periods of growth, system modernization, and regulatory complexity. The ideal candidate is comfortable wearing multiple hats, thrives in a smaller business environment, understands the nuances of S-Corporation reporting, and can move seamlessly between transactional accounting, compliance oversight, and strategic financial leadership.DutiesAccounting & Financial Operations (Hands-On)Manage and perform general ledger accounting, reconciliations, and journal entriesLead month-end and year-end close processesPrepare internal financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow)Maintain fixed asset schedules and depreciationOversee AP, AR, and payroll (directly or through limited staff)Monitor cash flow and provide liquidity planningS-Corporation & Owner SupportCoordinate with external CPA firm for annual tax filings (1120-S, K-1 reporting)Support shareholder distributions and tax planning discussionsMaintain accurate basis and retained earnings trackingProvide financial reporting and insights directly to ownershipAudit & Internal ControlsServe as primary contact for external auditors, tax advisors, and banking partnersDesign, implement and maintain strong internal controls and policiesEnsure audit-ready documentation and policy consistencyIdentify financial risks and implement mitigation strategiesERP & Systems ManagementLead ERP implementation efforts, upgrades, and system improvementsTranslate accounting and compliance requirements into system configurations and workflowsPartner with IT and cross-functional teams to improve automation, reporting, and controlsImplement automation where it is feasible to streamline manual processesDocument and standardize accounting processes and procedures within the ERP environmentMulti-State Sales & Use Tax ComplianceManage sales tax registrations, nexus analysis, filings, and remittances across multiple statesMonitor changes in tax regulations and ensure complianceMaintain exemption certificate documentationSupport state sales tax audits and inquiriesLeadership & CollaborationLead, mentor, and develop accounting staffEstablish clear expectations, accountability, and professional development plansCollaborate cross-functionally with operations, HR, IT, and executive leadershipQualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in accounting requiredExperience7+ years accounting experience at a senior/manager levelExperience in a manufacturing setting preferredAudit background (public accounting or internal audit preferred)Experience in a small or closely held business environmentHands-on ERP implementation or system upgrade experienceDemonstrated experience managing multi-state sales tax compliancePreferredFamiliarity with tax automation tools and sales tax software (e.g. Avalara, Vertex)Skills & AttributesStrong knowledge of GAAP and S-Corp financial structureHighly detail-oriented with strong organizational skillsAbility to operate both strategically and tactically, with a big-picture mindsetComfortable working directly with leadership and external advisorsSelf-starter with the ability to work independently in a lean environmentProcess-driven with a continuous improvement mindsetClear, confident communicator with technical and non-technical audiences