Controller

Ascension Search Partners has been exclusively engaged by a high-growth, design-driven consumer products company to identify a Controller to lead and scale the accounting function during a dynamic phase of expansion.

This organization has experienced significant growth over the past decade and recently partnered with a leading private equity firm to accelerate its next stage. The company operates across multiple sales channels and is known for delivering premium, customized products to a passionate and loyal customer base.

This is an opportunity to step into a visible leadership role within a fast-paced environment where operational excellence, structure, and scalability are critical.

Position Overview

The Controller will oversee all accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance activities. This individual will serve as a strategic partner to executive leadership and play a key role in strengthening infrastructure to support continued growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all general ledger activity, month-end close, consolidations, and financial statement preparation

• Establish and refine accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to support scale

• Prepare monthly and quarterly reporting packages for executive leadership and private equity stakeholders

• Manage external audit and tax processes, serving as primary liaison with third-party advisors

• Oversee cash flow management, forecasting, and working capital optimization

• Partner cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, and commercial teams

• Drive process automation and system optimization initiatives

• Support financial analysis and reporting tied to growth initiatives and strategic planning

• Mentor and develop members of the accounting team

Background & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred

• 5+ years of Controller experience within consumer products, manufacturing, retail, or other inventory-driven environments

• Strong ERP expertise; NetSuite experience highly valued, including implementation or optimization exposure

• Demonstrated experience managing external audits and maintaining compliance

• Experience building structure and scalable processes within a high-growth or evolving organization

• Prior exposure to private equity reporting environments and board-level financial presentations

• Advanced Excel proficiency with strong financial modeling capabilities

• Experience operating in a multi-channel business model (e-commerce, wholesale, direct-to-consumer, etc.)

• Background in inventory management, cost accounting, and margin analysis

• Multi-state sales tax knowledge and compliance exposure is a plus