Controller

The Controller is responsible for overseeing all accounting and financial activities of the company, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and transparency in financial reporting. This role provides leadership in cost control, financial planning, and internal controls, with a strong focus on perishable produce operations, including grower accounting, procurement, inventory management, and international sales.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.

• Ensure compliance with US GAAP, tax regulations, and produce industry standards.

• Coordinate annual audits with external auditors.

• Oversee Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), grower settlements, payroll, and general ledger.

• Supervise the proper recording of produce purchases, grower payments, and sales to customers.

• Maintain strong internal controls to safeguard company assets.

• Develop annual budgets in collaboration with senior management.

• Monitor actual results vs. budget, explaining variances and proposing corrective actions.

• Support cash flow forecasting and treasury management.

• Manage grower accounting: ensure transparent reporting of returns, charges (e.g., In & Out, freight, handling), and settlements.

• Control inventory valuation of perishable products, including shrink, re-packs, and quality claims.

• Ensure accurate costing of imported and domestic produce, including freight, tariffs, and handling charges.

• Lead and develop the accounting team (staff accountants, AP/AR clerks, payroll).

• Implement best practices for process improvement and financial efficiency.

• Serve as the financial liaison between operations, sales, procurement, and executive management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or MBA preferred).

• Minimum 5–7 years of accounting experience, at least 3 in a leadership role.

• Previous experience in the produce, agriculture, or perishable goods industry strongly preferred.

• Strong knowledge of US GAAP, tax compliance, and grower settlement accounting.

• Solid knowledge of U.S. taxation, including federal and California state tax regulations.

• Proficiency in ERP/accounting systems (Famous, Famous ERP, JD Edwards, NetSuite, or similar).

• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.

• Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly desirable.

Core Competencies:

• Integrity & Accuracy: Ensures precise reporting and ethical practices.

• Produce Industry Knowledge: Understands grower returns, shrink, and perishable product challenges.

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret financial data to guide decision-making.

• Leadership: Capable of managing and developing a finance team.

• Problem-Solving: Anticipates issues and implements solutions proactively.