Controller
Family-Owned Distribution Company | Milwaukee, WI
Full-Time | On-Site | Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
We are seeking a hands-on, relationship-driven Controller to join our leadership team at a stable, growing, family-owned distribution company. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working closely with ownership, values a collaborative culture, and thrives in an environment where flexibility, trust, and accountability matter.
This is more than a numbers role - it's a key operational and leadership position supporting the financial health and day-to-day business functions of the company.
Why Join Us
- Family-owned, people-first culture
- Stable, long-standing business
- Leadership visibility and influence
- Variety in responsibilities - no two days are the same
- Supportive, team-oriented environment
As a Controller, you will:
Oversee financial and administrative operations across the organization, including:
Financial Leadership
- Prepare monthly financial statements, analysis, and annual operating budget
- Maintain banking relationships and manage credit facilities
- Reconcile general ledger accounts and oversee year-end adjustments
- Ensure sales tax compliance and support annual reviewed financials
- Evaluate and determine credit worthiness, levels for new and existing customers
- Manage fiscal balance while supporting sustainable, scalable growth
- Provide financial analysis to the President and CEO
Accounting Operations
- Support and manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
- Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements
- Oversee daily accounting activities including GL, AP, AR, payroll, and fixed assets
- Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies
- Support external audits, reviews, and tax filings
Payroll, HR & Compliance
- Process payroll and maintain accurate payroll records
- Administer employee benefits (health insurance, 401k)
- Oversee HR compliance, employee files, safety training, HAZMAT, forklift, and DOT compliance
- Support hiring processes and new hire onboarding
Operations, Oversight and Demand Planning
- Monitor inventory across warehouse locations
- Oversee purchasing, vendor contracts, and rebate programs
- Support warehouse operations and leadership
- Monitor sales orders, delivery charges, and credit applications
Systems & Reporting
- Oversee IT systems, software compliance, security, and updates
- Serve as the internal ERP "go-to" expert
- Run sales and inventory analysis using data warehouse tools
Tax & Corporate Responsibilities
- Oversee corporate and individual income tax preparation
- Manage estimated tax payments
- Prepare required corporate reports
Leadership & Collaboration
- Supervise AR, AP, Purchasing, and the Warehouse Operations Manager
- Lead, coach, and develop accounting staff
- Review work prepared by team members and provide feedback and guidance
- Work directly with the President and company leadership
- Interact with customers, suppliers, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of accounting processes
What We're Looking For
- Minimum - 10 Years of experience
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting (required)
- CPA preferred
- ERP system expertise required
- Strong Excel and data reporting skills
- Distribution or similar industry experience a plus
Personal Strengths That Matter Here
- Comfortable working closely with ownership in a family-run business
- Collaborative, approachable leadership style
- Hands-on, adaptable, and willing to step in where needed
- Strong communicator who can translate financials for non-financial leaders
- High integrity and respect for confidentiality
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