Controller — Distribution Business

Hummert International is a leading distributor of horticultural supplies and equipment, serving customers across all 50 states and over 70 countries worldwide. Established in 1932, the company prides itself on its extensive product catalog, exceptional customer service, and commitment to supporting horticultural professionals through innovative solutions and educational resources. Controller — Distribution Business Position Summary The Controller is responsible for leading all accounting and financial operations for a distribution organization. This role ensures accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and effective management of inventory, cost of goods sold, and margin performance. The Controller partners closely with operations, sales, logistics, and executive leadership to support profitable growth, working capital management, and scalable financial processes. Key Responsibilities Financial Accounting & Reporting Oversee all accounting functions including general ledger, AP, AR, payroll, fixed assets, and inventory accounting Ensure accurate and timely month‑end, quarter end, and year-end close processes Prepare and review financial statements in accordance with GAAP Maintain chart of accounts and accounting policies aligned to distribution operations Coordinate annual audit and serve as primary liaison with external auditors Create and Maintain depreciation schedules including Right of Use Asset accounting. Maintain corporate filings in required states. Inventory, COGS & Margin Management Oversee inventory valuation, including standard costing, landed costs, freight allocation, shrink, and obsolescence Ensure accurate recording of COGS and gross margin by product line, customer, and channel Partner with operations and supply chain teams to reconcile inventory movements and cycle counts Analyze inventory turnover, excess stock, aged inventory, and write-down requirements Support pricing and margin analysis to improve profitability Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis Lead annual budgeting and rolling forecast processes, including sales, margin, and operating expenses Provide monthly variance analysis on sales, gross margin, freight, and operating costs Develop financial models to support growth initiatives, pricing strategies, and vendor negotiations Provide actionable insights to leadership on profitability, working capital, and cost control Cash Flow & Working Capital Management Manage cash flow forecasting, AR collections, and AP payment strategies Monitor customer credit limits and partner with sales to manage credit risk Optimize working capital through inventory, payables, and receivables management Oversee banking relationships and compliance with debt covenants, if applicable Internal Controls & Compliance Design and maintain strong internal controls over inventory, purchasing, and order‑to‑cash processes Ensure compliance with sales tax, use tax, and other regulatory requirements Coordinate tax filings and audits with external advisors Identify financial risks related to inventory, pricing, credit exposure, or vendor dependencies ERP, Systems & Process Improvement Own financial modules within ERP systems (inventory, purchasing, order processing) Partner on ERP implementations, upgrades, or process automation efforts Improve reporting accuracy and efficiency through dashboards and standardized processes Establish SOPs and best practices for scalable growth Leadership & Cross‑Functional Collaboration Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and finance team members Work closely with operations, logistics, warehouse, and sales leadership Serve as a trusted financial adviser to executive leadership Support special projects, acquisitions, or expansion initiatives Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field 5 -10+ years of progressive accounting experience Strong understanding of GAAP and distribution accounting principles Hands-on experience with inventory accounting and COGS Experience managing month end close in a transactional environment Proven leadership and team management skills Preferred Qualifications CPA or CMA designation Experience in distribution, wholesale, or supply‑chain‑intensive businesses ERP experience (SAP) Knowledge of sales tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions Experience supporting growth or operational scale

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid sick time Paid time off Vision insurance

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

accounting: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person