What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at HouseMart?
HouseMart is an established Hawaii-based retail organization built on an entrepreneurial spirit, that strives to serve as a symbol of success through our service and commitment to our customers. Our organization currently operates over 30 Ace Hardware, Ben Franklin Craft and Daiso stores, with over 500 employees in Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, and Nevada. A local family-owned business for more than 70 years, the HouseMart brand strives to serve as a symbol of family values, exceptional service, and commitment to providing the products our customers need.
As we further expand and diversify our business, we are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Controller to join our team. The Controller will oversee all aspects of financial leadership and profitability. Duties may include, but are not limited to, financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, accounting operations, and financial analysis. This key position will play a pivotal role in ensuring the company’s financial health and operational efficiency, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to engage and support strategic decisions and continued business growth.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Financial Reporting:
- Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement) ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Oversee the financial close process, including account reconciliations, journal entries, and variance analysis.
- Produce insightful management reports highlighting key financial trends and performance metrics relevant to retail operations.
Budgeting and Forecasting:
- Develop annual operating budgets in collaboration with various departments, factoring in sales projections, cost drivers, and operational expenses.
- Monitor budget variances, identify potential risks, and implement corrective actions to stay on track.
- Maintain accurate cash forecasting models to predict short-term and long-term liquidity needs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather financial data, analyze cash flow trends, and ensure alignment with business objectives.
- Provide regular cash position reports and insights to senior management, enabling effective decision-making and optimizing cash management strategies.
- Create and maintain rolling forecasts to support strategic planning and decision-making processes.
Internal Controls and Compliance:
- Establish and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard assets, ensure data accuracy, and prevent fraud.
- Conduct periodic internal audits to assess the effectiveness of controls and drive continuous improvements.
Accounting Operations Leadership:
- Lead, guide, and develop the accounting supervisors and teams, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger functions.
- Develop and implement efficient accounting processes and procedures to streamline operations and improve workflow.
- Ensure timely and accurate data entry and recordkeeping in compliance with company policies.
Financial Analysis and Strategic Support:
- Analyze financial performance across different store locations, product categories, and sales channels to inform business decisions.
- Provide actionable insights on pricing strategies, capital projects, and business expansion plans.
- Ensure disciplined and rigorous approach to measuring and delivering return on investment (ROI) for all projects and initiatives. Continuously track performance metrics, assess financial outcomes, and implement best practices to optimize efficiency and maximize ROI. Collaborate with key stakeholders to set clear objectives, timelines, and success criteria, ensuring that all deliverables meet or exceed targeted returns.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for cost reductions and enhanced profitability.
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment that aligns with the core values of the company, promoting a positive, supportive culture reflective of our family-owned business ethos. Lead by example to cultivate trust, open communication, and mutual respect, while ensuring that all team members are engaged, motivated, and empowered to contribute to the organization’s success.
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Safety and security:
- Work in a safe manner to protect yourself, your co-workers and others who may be affected by your actions.
- Work together on exercising prevention methods to minimize injury or loss. Suggest solutions to mitigate hazards.
- Special projects as needed and perform other related duties as required and assigned.
COMPETENCIES:
- Communication Proficiency
- Ethical Conduct
- Confidentiality
- Time Management
- Teamwork
EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:
- Generally works Monday through Friday. Some flexibility in hours is allowed, but the employee must be available during office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Must work 40 hours each week.
LOCATION:
- The location for this position is Honolulu, HI.
TRAVEL:
- This position may require travel (local, neighbor island, domestic and international travel, etc.) to meet desired objectives.
WORK CONDITIONS:
Equipment/Tools Used: Intranet, Internet, MS Office Suite, ORACLE, EAGLE software, Database user interface and query software, basic office equipment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
Work Environment: Works under regular office conditions. Occasional exposure to heat and dust, hazardous equipment (box, openers, scissors, staplers, paper cutter), and supplies (ink, glues, chemicals, paint, etc.)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary.
- Lifting up to 20 lbs. with the absence of physical limitations.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:
- Requires attention to detail, concentration, and alertness.
- Ability to work under pressure, demonstrate effective decision-making, and ability to exercise sound judgment.
- Ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time.
- Organizes work to complete assignments, maintains accuracy, pays attention to detail, and demonstrates customer service standards.
- Evidence of the practice of a high level of confidentiality.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
- Six to eight (6-8) years demonstrated leadership and team management experience, with excellent communication skills to interact with senior leadership and other departments
- Strong knowledge of GAAP accounting principles and financial reporting.
- Experience with financial reporting in multi-location or multi-channel retail operations.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
- Proficiency in financial management systems and reporting tools (e.g., ERP systems, Microsoft Excel).
- Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines, and work under pressure in a fast-paced retail environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is preferred.
- Proven experience in a senior accounting role within a retail environment, with a deep understanding of retail-specific accounting practices.
- Knowledge of Hawaii-specific tax laws and regulations.
- Familiarity with Oracle