Controller

Company: Fort Brands
Location: Lincoln
Posted on: February 26, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Controller Reports To: CEO Location: Lincoln Ne, or Nebraska City Ne Position Overview The Controller is responsible for leading all accounting and financial operations for a growing retail organization of approximately 100 to 110 employees. This role ensures accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, effective cash management, and operational financial support. The Controller partners closely with the CEO to provide financial insight that drives profitability, inventory optimization, and strategic growth. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both tactical execution and strategic oversight. Key Responsibilities Financial Reporting & Close Process Oversee full-cycle accounting operations (AR, AP, Payroll, Fixed Assets) Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes Prepare accurate and timely financial statements Deliver monthly financial reporting package to CEO Provide variance analysis (budget vs. actual, store performance, margin analysis) Ensure GAAP compliance Retail & Operational Finance Monitor gross margins, shrink, and inventory turnover Oversee inventory accounting and reconciliation Partner with operations on store-level performance analysis Analyze sales trends, promotions, and seasonal impacts Support pricing and margin strategy Cash Flow & Working Capital Manage daily/weekly cash flow forecasting Oversee banking relationships Optimize working capital and inventory investment Monitor debt covenants (if applicable) Budgeting & Forecasting Lead annual budget process Develop rolling forecasts Provide financial modeling for expansion or capital investments Support growth planning and site expansion analysis Internal Controls & Compliance Establish and maintain strong internal control environment Ensure proper segregation of duties Oversee sales tax compliance (multi-location if applicable) Coordinate annual audit or review Ensure payroll tax and regulatory compliance Leadership & Team Development Supervise and develop accounting staff Improve accounting processes and automation Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, HR, and leadership Build scalable systems for growth Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance 7 years progressive accounting experience 3 years in a leadership role Experience in retail, multi-location, or consumer-facing business Strong understanding of inventory accounting Experience managing full month-end close Advanced Excel skills Experience with accounting/ERP systems and POS integrations Preferred Qualifications CPA designation Experience building accounting processes from scratch or improving weak controls Experience supporting growth or multi-location expansion Key Traits for Success Hands-on leader (not afraid to get into details) Operationally minded, not just accounting-focused Strong business partner to CEO High integrity and accountability Process-driven and improvement-oriented Comfortable in a fast-paced retail environment Important for Retail Inventory shrink analysis POS reconciliation oversight Store-level profitability reporting Promotional margin analysis Vendor rebate tracking (if applicable) Sales tax oversight Job Posted by ApplicantPro

Keywords: Fort Brands, Omaha , Controller, Accounting, Auditing , Lincoln, Nebraska