Sr. Accountant/Controller

Located in Signal Hill, CA

Salary: $50.00 - $90/HR

Our valued client is seeking a highly analytical, detail-oriented, and hands-on accounting professional to join our leadership team as a Senior Accountant or Controller. This role is ideal for a high-performing individual who thrives in a fast-paced operational environment and enjoys owning the complete accounting cycle while providing meaningful financial insight to leadership.

 

The successful candidate will possess exceptional technical accounting skills, strong business acumen, and the ability to translate financial data into strategic recommendations. Experience in the logistics, transportation, freight, warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, or other operationally intensive industries is strongly preferred.

This is a leadership role for someone who is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves to perform detailed reconciliations as they are partnering with executive leadership on financial planning and business strategy.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Manage the full general ledger and monthly accounting close process.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Perform complex account reconciliations and ensure balance sheet integrity.
• Maintain supporting schedules and documentation for all significant accounts.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and cash management.
• Ensure accurate journal entries, accruals, prepaids, allocations, and adjusting entries.
• Maintain compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies.
• Review accounting classifications and coding to ensure financial reporting accuracy.
• Coordinate annual audits and work directly with external CPA firms.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare monthly management reporting packages with meaningful financial analysis.
• Analyze profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow, and operational metrics.
• Identify financial trends, risks, and opportunities for improved profitability.
• Produce ad hoc financial reports and executive dashboards as requested.
• Develop KPIs and performance reporting that support operational decision-making.
• Partner with department managers to explain financial results and budget variances.

Budgeting & Finance

• Assist in annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Monitor budgets and provide variance analysis.
• Support cash flow forecasting and working capital management.
• Assist leadership with financial modeling and scenario planning.
• Evaluate profitability by customer, division, location, or service line.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Develop and strengthen accounting procedures and internal controls.
• Improve month-end close efficiency and reporting accuracy.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in ERP implementations, upgrades, and systems improvements when needed.

Leadership

• Mentor and develop accounting staff.
• Establish accountability and best practices across the accounting function.
• Collaborate with operations, sales, HR, and executive leadership.
• Serve as a trusted financial advisor to ownership and senior management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• CPA designation preferred but not required.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience as a Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager, Assistant Controller, or Controller.
• Experience in logistics, transportation, freight, warehousing, manufacturing, distribution, construction, or another operational business preferred.
• Strong understanding of GAAP.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with ERP/accounting systems.
• Proven experience preparing financial statements and month-end close.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Technical Expertise

The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience with:

• Full-cycle accounting
• General ledger management
• Account reconciliations
• Month-end and year-end close
• Financial statement preparation
• Profit & Loss analysis
• Balance sheet analysis
• Journal entries and accruals
• Cost accounting concepts
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Cash flow management
• Financial reporting
• Ad hoc reporting
• Variance analysis
• Internal controls
• Fixed assets
• Payroll accounting
• Sales tax and regulatory compliance
• Audit preparation

Professional Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• A proactive problem solver who takes ownership.
• Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision.
• Able to think strategically while executing day-to-day accounting responsibilities.
• Naturally curious and committed to continuous improvement.
• Data-driven and analytical.
• Able to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative business partner with excellent communication skills.
• Ethical, trustworthy, and committed to accuracy.
• Someone who takes pride in producing high-quality work and driving operational excellence.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following industries are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Logistics
• Transportation
• Freight
• Supply Chain
• Distribution
• Warehousing
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Industrial Services

Apply Now