Controller Job Description
Position Title
Controller
Reports To
Chief Financial Officer (CFO), President, or Owner
Position Summary
The Controller is responsible for overseeing all accounting and financial operations of the propane company. This role ensures accurate financial reporting, maintains strong internal controls, manages cash flow, supports operational decision-making, and ensures compliance with all accounting standards, tax regulations, and industry requirements. The Controller works closely with leadership to improve financial performance, monitor profitability, and support strategic growth.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management
- Direct all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets.
- Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
- Manage month-end and year-end closing processes.
- Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures.
- Monitor company cash flow and liquidity.
- Oversee banking relationships and debt compliance.
- Coordinate annual financial audits and tax preparation.
Budgeting & Financial Planning
- Lead the annual budgeting process.
- Prepare financial forecasts and cash flow projections.
- Analyze operating results and identify trends.
- Provide management with financial analyses and recommendations.
- Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) for financial and operational performance.
Industry-Specific Responsibilities
- Monitor propane inventory valuation and inventory controls.
- Oversee fuel cost accounting and margin analysis.
- Analyze customer profitability by delivery route, customer class, and service area.
- Monitor fleet, vehicle, and equipment depreciation.
- Support pricing decisions through margin and cost analysis.
- Review cylinder, tank, and fixed asset accounting.
- Assist with seasonal cash flow planning due to fluctuations in propane demand.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable financial regulations.
- Oversee sales tax, fuel tax, payroll tax, and other regulatory filings.
- Maintain effective internal controls to safeguard company assets.
- Ensure compliance with lending agreements and financial covenants.
- Coordinate insurance renewals and support risk management initiatives.
Leadership
- Supervise accounting and administrative staff.
- Develop and mentor finance team members.
- Improve accounting processes through automation and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with operations, customer service, purchasing, and management to improve business performance.
Technology
- Maintain the integrity of the accounting system and financial data.
- Support financial reporting from ERP, propane management, and dispatch systems.
- Work with IT and software vendors to improve reporting capabilities.
- Develop dashboards and management reports.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
- CPA or CMA preferred.
Experience
- 6–8 years of progressive accounting experience.
- 3–5 years in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role.
- Experience in propane, fuel distribution, energy, transportation, or wholesale distribution is strongly preferred.
Skills
- Strong knowledge of GAAP.
- Advanced financial reporting and budgeting skills.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Experience with accounting software and ERP systems.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Knowledge
- Inventory accounting
- Fleet and equipment accounting
- Cost accounting
- Margin analysis
- Cash flow management
- Banking relationships
- Internal controls
- Financial planning and analysis
- Payroll administration
- Sales and fuel tax compliance
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Timely and accurate month-end close
- Budget variance management
- Cash flow performance
- Gross margin analysis
- Accounts receivable aging
- Inventory accuracy
- Audit results
- Financial reporting accuracy
- Compliance with tax and regulatory requirements
- Reduction in accounting process cycle times
Physical Requirements
- Primarily office-based work with occasional visits to plant, storage, or operational facilities.
- Ability to sit for extended periods and work on a computer.
Compensation
Competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with performance incentives, health benefits, retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
How to apply.
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