Controller (On Site)

Controller (On Site) Location Wilmette, IL : Description:

At Chalet, finances are the fuel that keeps our company growing. We're looking for an experienced Controller to keep our company's numbers and budgets on track with unwavering accuracy. The most successful person will have a strong understanding of financial reporting, cash flow forecasting, margin analysis, internal controls, and business process improvements. You will play an important role grounding our company's financial outlook with precision and proactive measures. Consider joining us in our company's greater mission of connecting our customers with nature and beautifying their homes.

The primary responsibilities are:

• Ensure the timely closing of the books and reporting of the monthly financial statements. Prepare reporting package and present to key management team on a monthly basis.
• Prepare financial analysis including product margin and trend reports, financial forecasts and working capital tracking to understand the financial state of business. Distill information for owner.
• Monitor and manage company cash flow / liquidity and provide timely reporting to owner.
• Manage banking, insurance, CPA firm and tax preparer relationships.
• Coordinate the annual review as well as periodic insurance and employee benefit audits.
• Supervise four employees including Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Specialists and two Staff Accountants.
• Service internal and external customers with accurate and timely data to ensure vendors, customers, managers, and employees alike have the information needed to make decisions.
• Proactively lead compliance efforts with village, county, state and federal agencies to keep the company in good standing.
• Using industry benchmarks and through spend tracking, identify cost reduction opportunities.
• Assist owner and leadership team with important financial decisions. Recommend policies and procedures relating to best business practices of the company.
• Offer succinct analysis on a wide variety of financial data and communicate it in a clear and concise manner to staff.
• Champion the use of the latest technology and software packages across the company.
• Stay current on the business environment and financial markets to understand how to maximize profits and find new expansion areas.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in Accounting. CPA is preferred.
• 7-12 years of Accounting experience. Smaller, privately-held company experience preferred.
• Extreme attention to detail, have a strong work ethic, be able to collaborate with other team members and departments, and be confidential, accountable, reliable and trustworthy.
• Proficient with spreadsheets and databases. Complete mastery of Excel is essential including VLookups and Pivot Tables. Experience with Acumatica or similar current ERP system preferred. Knowledge of Shopify and Aspire would be a plus.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, quantitative and social skills and embraces the latest technology.
• An innovative problem solver who is able to provide meaning to numerical quantities and make impactful suggestions to improve our business strategies.
• Uses leadership skills to guide and strives for continuous improvement.
• Ability and willingness to meet business critical deadlines.

Chalet is a fourth-generation, family-owned company that was started 106 years ago with a passion for plants, elevated customer service, and our amazing employees. We are a multi-dimensional, privately held company that is dedicated to continuing our legacy of being an exceptional place to work and shop. Our primary business units include retail operations, landscape design/build and maintenance services, and plant production. Within our three locations and commercial real estate, we have 225 full-time employees and swell over 350 when seasonal employees are included.

This key player will be on site in the Chalet Offices in Wilmette (this is not a remote position). Our full benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, FSA, HAS, paid time off, holidays, employee discount, 401(k) with match and bonus opportunity.