Jobloria
Controller
Smith Arnold Partners
Location : Rochester, NY, 14614
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Salary : $120,000 - $140,000
Date Posted : 1 December 2025
Smith Arnold Partners
Title: Controller
Position Overview:
Oversee GL, inventory/cost accounting, AP/AR, accruals, rebates, and margin reporting for GAAP-compliant results
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting; CPA preferred
Background in distribution or light manufacturing
Are you looking for an opportunity to join a longstanding company and have impact on the future growth implementing modern controls for the future?
Title: Controller
Location: Rochester, NY
Salary: $120,000 – $140,000
Position Overview:
You will own the general ledger, strengthen internal controls, and drive scalable processes in a multi-entity environment. This role balances active involvement in core accounting with leadership of a 10+ person team, while supporting acquisitions, audits, lender requirements, and cross-functional decision-making.
Key Responsibilities:
Oversee GL, inventory/cost accounting, AP/AR, accruals, rebates, and margin reporting for GAAP-compliant results
Lead annual audits, tax compliance, and lender reporting; maintain covenant discipline
Build and maintain dynamic cash flow models tied to working capital and operations
Partner with operations, purchasing, and sales to deliver actionable financial insights
Drive automation, process redesign, and system upgrades for efficiency and visibility
Lead accounting integration for acquisitions, aligning policies and culture
Mentor and develop the accounting team; foster accountability, collaboration, and service excellence
Strengthen governance, controls, and documentation across all business units
Manage corporate insurance programs with brokers and stakeholders
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting; CPA preferred
10+ years of progressive accounting experience with full GL ownership and GAAP reporting
Experience managing accounting in an audited and/or lender-financed organization
Deep knowledge of inventory valuation, cost accounting, and rebate recognition in a distribution setting
Proven track record leading process improvement, automation, or ERP/system initiatives
Strong cross-functional communication, people development, and leadership skills
Preferred Qualifications:
Background in distribution or light manufacturing
Experience scaling accounting teams and systems during growth or M&A
Demonstrated ability to build a high-performance, service-focused culture
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Freqently Asked Questions
At Smith Arnold Partners in Rochester, the Controller shapes financial strategy by overseeing GAAP-compliant reporting, enhancing internal controls, and guiding a skilled accounting team. This leadership ensures scalable processes crucial for growth in distribution and light manufacturing industries prevalent in the region.
Controllers in Rochester focus on dynamic cash flow models linked to working capital and operations. By collaborating across departments like sales and purchasing, they enable actionable insights that improve liquidity and financial health, especially important for multi-entity companies handling complex inventory and rebate systems.
Controllers generally bear full responsibility for general ledger ownership, strategic leadership, and cross-functional financial reporting. Assistant Controllers support these functions but typically handle more specialized tasks, allowing Controllers to focus on governance, audits, and driving automation initiatives across the business.
While a CPA is widely favored, Controllers in New York benefit from certifications emphasizing GAAP expertise and audit management. Given the state's stringent lender and compliance requirements, credentials demonstrating proficiency in multi-entity financial reporting and manufacturing distribution accounting stand out.
Controller roles in Rochester are moderately competitive due to the region’s industrial mix. Salaries typically range from $120,000 to $140,000, reflecting the expertise required in distribution accounting and leadership. Candidates with CPA credentials and system automation experience often command the higher end.
Smith Arnold Partners requires Controllers to lead over 10 accounting professionals while managing acquisitions and audits simultaneously. Balancing hands-on accounting duties with team mentorship and cross-departmental collaboration sets this role apart in Rochester’s evolving financial landscape.
Yes, Smith Arnold Partners favors candidates with backgrounds in distribution or light manufacturing. This specialization supports understanding inventory valuation, cost accounting, and rebate recognition, crucial for maintaining GAAP compliance and driving process improvements within their operational framework.
Daily tasks include overseeing the general ledger, managing accruals, rebates, and margin reporting, and ensuring audit readiness. The Controller also collaborates with operations and sales teams to deliver financial insights, while pushing forward automation and process redesign for enhanced efficiency.
Rochester’s work culture values strong accountability and collaboration, especially in distribution-heavy sectors. Controllers here are expected to foster team development and service excellence, aligning financial governance with the community's emphasis on integrity and sustainable business growth.
Joining Smith Arnold Partners offers exposure to multi-entity financial leadership, acquisition integrations, and process automation projects. This environment nurtures skill development in high-level accounting management within Rochester’s distribution sector, positioning professionals for senior executive roles.
New York, NY