Assistant Controller
Astra FoodsJob Summary: The Assistant Controller supports the Controller in overseeing the organization’s financial and accounting operations within a food production or distribution environment. This role helps ensure accurate financial reporting, compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements, effective cost control, and the integrity of financial processes. The Assistant Controller plays a key role in month-end and year-end close activities, financial analysis, inventory and cost accounting, and internal controls while partnering with accounting, operations, and supply chain teams to support business performance and profitability. Responsibilities: Assist in overseeing daily accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, collections, cash application, and inventory accounting. Support the preparation and analysis of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Coordinate month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate completion of reconciliations, journal entries, and account analyses. Own the standard cost system: develop and update annual standards for materials, labor, overhead, yield and packaging. Maintain bills of materials and routings in the ERP with operations and R&D. Analyze and explain production variances monthly, including purchase price, material usage, yield, labor efficiency and overhead absorption. Build and maintain finance dashboards and automated reports (Power BI, Tableau or similar) for leadership, plants and sales. Analyze margin by product, SKU, customer and channel, including trade spend, freight and rebates. Assist with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow monitoring, and financial planning activities. Monitor inventory valuation, product costing, production variances, and cost of goods sold to ensure accurate financial reporting and cost control. Help ensure compliance with applicable food industry regulations, financial reporting standards, and internal accounting policies. Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules, providing documentation, and coordinating requests with auditors and other stakeholders. Assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining internal controls to safeguard company assets and improve the accuracy and reliability of financial information. Partner with operations and supply chain teams to analyze production costs, inventory levels, waste, labor efficiency, and other key financial performance indicators. Prepare financial reports, variance analyses, and management presentations to support business decisions and identify opportunities for improved profitability. Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, strengthen controls, and improve reporting efficiency through continuous improvement initiatives. Provide guidance and support to accounting team members, helping ensure consistency, accuracy, and adherence to established procedures. Serve as a key support to the Controller and provide coverage for accounting functions as needed. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. 5–8+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within food manufacturing, food production, or distribution. Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, general ledger accounting, and month-end close processes. Experience with cost accounting, inventory valuation, product costing, and manufacturing or distribution operations. Experience with ERP systems; NetSuite preferred. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial analysis, reconciliations, and reporting. Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, audits, and internal control processes. Skills & Competencies: Strong attention to detail and commitment to financial accuracy. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Effectiv…