Financial Controller

The Financial Controller is responsible for leading and overseeing all financial operations for an apparel manufacturing company, including accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, cost analysis, and compliance. This role plays a critical part in developing and enforcing strong internal controls, establishing robust checks and
balances, mitigating fraud risk, and ensuring that payments, purchasing, and financial activities follow established procedures. 

Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations & Reporting

• Direct and supervise all accounting functions, including A/P, A/R, general ledger, payroll, cost accounting, and month-end close.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements, forecasts, and management reports.
• Analyze financial performance and provide actionable insights to leadership regarding trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Manage annual budgeting and reforecasting processes in collaboration with department heads.
• Oversee inventory costing, variances, production costs, and COGS reporting across all manufacturing operations.

Internal Controls & Checks and Balances

• Develop, implement, and maintain strong internal control systems to safeguard company assets.
• Establish and document standardized financial processes and approval workflows, including purchasing, expense requests, invoice approvals, vendor management, and payment processing.
• Ensure segregation of duties across accounting roles to minimize financial risk and prevent errors or fraud.
• Conduct periodic audits of financial activities, transactions, and system permissions to ensure compliance with established controls.
• Identify process gaps and recommend improvements for efficiency, accuracy, and control integrity.

Fraud Prevention & Compliance

• Monitor financial activity to detect and mitigate potential fraud, misuse, or irregularities.
• Ensure all payments (checks, ACH, wires) are reviewed and approved according to internal policies.
• Maintain compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, banking requirements, and industry-specific standards.
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax professionals, and regulatory agencies as needed.

Accounts Payable, Payments, & Vendor Oversight

• Oversee the complete A/P cycle, ensuring invoices are accurately recorded and paid on schedule.
• Verify that vendor contracts, purchase orders, and receiving documentation match prior to payment.
• Ensure proper authorization levels are followed for expenditures and vendor onboarding.
• Review weekly and monthly payment runs to ensure accuracy and compliance with established procedures.

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise and mentor accounting team members; provide training to strengthen financial processes and internal controls.
• Partner with operational leaders, production managers, and supply chain teams to ensure financial alignment and clarity.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and compliance within the finance function.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or CMA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 3 years in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role (manufacturing environment strongly preferred).
• Strong understanding of GAAP, cost accounting, inventory processes, and manufacturing financial workflows.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing internal controls and fraud-prevention processes.
• Proficiency with ERP/accounting systems, Excel, and financial reporting tools.
• Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under deadlines.
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.

Core Competencies

• Integrity and strong ethical judgment
• Attention to detail and process discipline
• Ability to identify and mitigate risk
• Strategic financial thinking
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Ability to lead and develop a finance team

Salary Range: $110,000 - $160,000 DOE