Controller

Smith Gardens, the largest annual and perennial grower in the Pacific Northwest, has an exciting opportunity for a Controller join our team at Bellingham, WA site.

Smith Gardens is a wholesale nursery company that is headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, and has been family owned for over 100 years with facilities in three states.

JOB SUMMARY: ect the Company’s accounting and finance services for the achievement of operational and financial objectives. Provide financial reporting and analysis to management and outside stakeholders. Lead a team of 7, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, General Ledger.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Manage the accuracy and productivity of day-to-day activities of accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, customer credits and collections, payroll, fixed asset records, general & entity accounting.
• Produce financial reports according to generally accepted accounting principles as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Provide analysis of financial reports as requested and lead financial review meetings with management.
• Serve as the resource to all departments for financial reports and tools to facilitate management decisions.
• Manage in-house payroll and payroll tax function.
• Assist or lead in other projects related to the financial operations of the company, i.e., purchase order, labor management reporting, cost, and profitability analysis, etc.
• Coordinate and oversee the annual outside audits (financial and payroll) and tax preparation management.
• Develop and train staff through coaching and performance management.
• Establish and monitor uniform company-wide accounting practices and standard operating procedures to ensure accuracy, adequate internal controls, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
• In collaboration with IT and Operations, monitor software maintenance needs and development of accounting systems. Participate in ERP implementation.
• Establish and manage the collection and reporting of sales and use taxes.
• Monitor treasury activity of company.

  COMPETENCIES:

• Proficient knowledge and experience with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, laws, regulations, and best practices in agriculture (cash and accrual basis) and multi-state environment.
• Experience with coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, budget analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, and accounting for investments.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated skill and effectiveness as a relationship builder and internal consultant to all levels in the organization.
• High level of integrity and interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Results-focused. Understands what is important to management and employees and is committed to achieving goals.
• Effective organizational, time management and project management skills.
• Able to communicate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance managers.
• Knowledge of payroll regulations and best practices.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• 8 to 10 years of experience in accounting, audit, presenting and reporting financial information to executive teams and external stakeholders.
• 3 to 5 years in a leadership role.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Master’s Degree and/or CPA license preferred.
• Experience in a complex manufacturing or agricultural environment preferred.
• Proficient with spreadsheet, data bases, accounting software programs.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and qualifications for the job. It is not an exhaustive statement of all the functions, duties, or qualifications.

To learn more about our company & view a more detailed job description, visit our website at smithgardens.com/careers. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package including immediate PTO accrual, Medical, Dental and Vision after 30 days plus matching 401(k) and Company-Paid LTD after one year.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Smith Gardens provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.