Corporate Controller

I am seeking a highly accomplished and hands-on Corporate Controller to lead North American accounting operations for a large-scale, globally connected fresh produce organization with annual revenues exceeding $500 million. This role oversees all accounting functions across the United States and serves as a critical business partner to executive leadership, supporting domestic operations as well as international import and export activities.

This is not a delegation-only leadership position. The successful candidate will be deeply involved in the day-to-day accounting function, month-end close process, financial reporting, audit management, technical accounting matters, and Board-level reporting. The Controller will lead a lean, high-performing accounting team of five professionals and must be comfortable operating at both strategic and tactical levels.

The ideal candidate is a CPA, possesses strong business acumen, thrives in fast-paced and evolving environments, and brings a progressive, solution-oriented leadership style.

Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Reporting
Lead all North American accounting operations, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
Prepare and review consolidated financial statements and supporting schedules.
Present financial results, key trends, and analysis to executive leadership and Board members.
Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and company accounting policies.
Develop and enhance management reporting, financial dashboards, and KPI reporting.
General Ledger & Close Management
Maintain direct involvement in the general ledger and account reconciliation process.
Review and approve journal entries, accruals, estimates, and complex accounting transactions.
Ensure balance sheet integrity and timely reconciliation of all significant accounts.
Drive continuous improvement in close timelines, accuracy, and reporting quality.
Audit & Compliance
Serve as primary liaison with external auditors.
Lead annual financial statement audits and coordinate all audit requests.
Manage implementation of audit recommendations and internal control improvements.
Oversee compliance with federal, state, and local reporting requirements.
Maintain effective internal controls and accounting procedures across multiple operating entities.
International Trade & Inventory Accounting
Oversee accounting related to international import and export activities.
Ensure accurate accounting for inventory, freight, logistics, customs, tariffs, duties, and foreign transactions.
Partner with operations, logistics, and sales leaders to ensure proper financial treatment of inventory movement and cost allocation.
Monitor inventory valuation, reserves, shrinkage, and costing methodologies.
Team Leadership
Lead, mentor, and develop a lean accounting team of five.
Establish accountability, performance expectations, and professional development plans.
Foster a culture focused on accuracy, urgency, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
Support succession planning and talent development within the accounting organization.
Strategic Business Partnership
Partner closely with the CFO and executive leadership team on strategic initiatives.
Support budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and business planning activities.
Assist with acquisitions, integrations, financing activities, and special projects.
Provide accounting guidance on complex transactions and business initiatives.
Qualifications
Required
Active CPA license required.
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
10+ years of progressive accounting and financial leadership experience.
Experience leading accounting operations for organizations with revenues of $500 million or greater.
Strong background in multi-entity, multi-state accounting environments.
Significant experience managing annual external audits.
Extensive knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
Proven experience managing month-end and year-end close processes.
Advanced proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.
Ability and willingness to remain hands-on in the accounting function.
Preferred
Public accounting experience with a national or regional CPA firm.
Experience within agriculture, food production, fresh produce, distribution, manufacturing, import/export, or supply chain-intensive industries.
Experience with inventory accounting, cost accounting, and international operations.
Exposure to Board reporting and executive-level presentations.
Leadership Profile

The ideal candidate is:

Highly technical, yet pragmatic and business-minded.
Comfortable operating both strategically and tactically.
Detail-oriented without losing sight of broader business objectives.
Progressive in leadership style and focused on process improvement.
Confident, collaborative, and capable of influencing across departments.
Comfortable rolling up their sleeves and working directly in the details when necessary.
Able to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and operationally complex environment.
Success Measures

Within the first 12 months, the Corporate Controller will:

Deliver accurate and timely monthly financial reporting.
Strengthen close and reconciliation processes across North America.
Improve audit readiness and internal control effectiveness.
Enhance Board and executive reporting capabilities.
Develop the accounting team while maintaining a high-performance culture.
Identify and implement process efficiencies that improve visibility, accuracy, and scalability as the organization continues to grow.

Contact: Lorenzo Ramirez | lorenzo@stardomconsult.com | (559) 218-5819