Controller Location:

Shawnee, Kansas Employment Type:

Full-Time, In-Office Department:

Finance & Administration Reports To:

President / Ownership About the Role We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller to lead the accounting and financial operations of a growing small business based in Shawnee, Kansas. This role is ideal for someone who is comfortable operating in a lean environment and enjoys both managing the financial function and working directly in the details. The Controller will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, strengthening accounting processes and controls, managing the monthly close, overseeing accounts payable and receivable, supporting inventory and cost accounting, and providing management with timely and useful financial information. This is not a role focused solely on reviewing reports prepared by others. The right candidate will be willing to investigate discrepancies, improve processes, help develop the accounting team, and personally step into the work when necessary. Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Reporting & Month-End Close Own and manage the monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close process. Prepare accurate and timely financial statements, including the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow reporting. Maintain the general ledger and ensure transactions are recorded accurately and consistently. Review account reconciliations and investigate unusual balances or variances. Develop a disciplined month-end close schedule and continually improve the speed and accuracy of reporting. Provide management with meaningful financial analysis rather than simply reporting historical results. Accounting Operations Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash application, payroll accounting, and general accounting activities. Establish and maintain appropriate approval processes and internal controls. Ensure invoices, purchase orders, receipts, payments, credits, and other transactions are properly supported and recorded. Review customer receivables and support collection efforts where necessary. Monitor vendor accounts, payment timing, and cash requirements. Maintain appropriate segregation of duties within a small accounting department. Inventory, Cost Accounting & Gross Margin Maintain accurate accounting for inventory across company locations. Work closely with operations and purchasing to reconcile inventory discrepancies. Support cycle-counting and physical inventory processes. Maintain and review standard costs, landed costs, bills of material, and inventory valuation. Analyze product-level gross margins and investigate unexpected cost or margin variances. Improve management's visibility into actual product and customer profitability. Cash Management & Planning Monitor daily and weekly cash position. Prepare cash-flow forecasts and identify upcoming cash requirements. Assist leadership with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning. Track actual performance against budgets and forecasts. Help management understand the financial impact of operational and strategic decisions. Controls & Process Improvement Evaluate existing accounting processes and implement practical improvements. Develop and document standard operating procedures for key financial processes. Identify weaknesses in accounting controls and implement solutions appropriate for the size of the organization. Reduce reliance on individual institutional knowledge by creating repeatable, documented processes. Improve the accuracy and usefulness of information flowing between accounting, sales, purchasing, operations, and manufacturing. Tax, Compliance & External Relationships Coordinate with outside CPA firms on annual tax filings and financial reporting requirements. Support sales tax, property tax, franchise tax, and other state and local compliance requirements. Coordinate with banks, insurance providers, auditors, tax advisors, and other outside professionals. Maintain appropriate financial records and supporting documentation. Support annual insurance, workers' compensation, and other financial audits as needed. Systems & Data Serve as a knowledgeable owner of the company's accounting and ERP processes. Maintain the integrity of financial data within the ERP system. Identify opportunities to improve reporting and reduce manual accounting work. Work with operational teams to ensure transactions are entered correctly at their source. Develop useful financial dashboards, reports, and KPIs for management. QualificationsRequired Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. 5+ years of progressive accounting experience. Strong understanding of GAAP and fundamental accounting principles. Experience managing a monthly close and preparing financial statements. Strong general ledger and account reconciliation experience. Experience with accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and payroll accounting. Advanced Excel skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving ability. High attention to detail and commitment to financial accuracy. Ability to work effectively in a smaller organization where responsibilities may extend beyond a narrowly defined job description. Strongly Preferred Previous experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar role. Experience within manufacturing, distribution, consumer products, or another inventory-intensive business. Experience with inventory accounting and cost accounting. Experience working with ERP systems; Sage 100 experience is highly desirable. Experience improving accounting processes and implementing internal controls. Experience managing or developing accounting staff. CPA or CMA designation is a plus but not required. What Success Looks Like Within the first year, the Controller should: Establish a reliable and timely monthly close process. Ensure financial statements and balance-sheet accounts are accurate and well supported. Create clear ownership and documentation for recurring accounting processes. Improve inventory and cost-accounting accuracy. Provide leadership with better visibility into gross margin, cash flow, and business performance. Strengthen financial controls without introducing unnecessary bureaucracy. Develop an accounting function that can operate consistently without depending on one individual to solve every problem. The Person We're Looking For The strongest candidate will combine accounting discipline with a practical operating mindset.

You should be someone who:

Wants to understand why a number is wrong rather than simply correcting it. Is comfortable moving between reviewing financial statements and investigating an individual transaction. Creates systems and processes rather than relying on memory. Holds yourself and others accountable to deadlines and accuracy. Can explain financial issues clearly to non-financial managers. Is willing to challenge an existing process when a better one can be developed. Enjoys working in a small-business environment where you can have a direct impact on how the company operates. Work Environment This is a full-time, in-office position in Shawnee, Kansas . Regular interaction with accounting, operations, purchasing, customer service, sales, and company leadership is an important part of the role. We are looking for someone who wants to take ownership of the financial function, build stronger processes, and grow with the organization.

Pay:

$81,904.57 - $98,637.76 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Health insurance

Work Location:

In person