Controller

KLR Executive Search Group is excited to partner with our client, Starting Line Sailing (www.startinglinesailing.com), to offer an exceptional career opportunity. Due to the company's impressive growth, we are seeking a talented Controller for a newly created role, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. Starting Line Sailing is headquartered in Bristol, Rhode Island, with additional locations across the United States. This is an exciting chance to join a dynamic organization and contribute to the company’s continued national success.

Starting Line Sailing owns a portfolio of companies manufacturing, distributing and retailing sailboats, sails, parts, apparel and accessories for sailboats under 25’.

Starting Line Sailing’s values, “Believe,” “Hustle,” “Care,” and “Grow,” drive its mission to make sailing accessible to everyone. "Believe" inspires optimism and teamwork, "Hustle" emphasizes action and problem-solving, "Care" focuses on community and mutual support, and "Grow" encourages continuous improvement and leadership opportunities​.

The Opportunity

This role offers a unique opportunity for a motivated individual to grow and develop as a key contributor to Starting Line Sailing’s mission. As Controller, you will handle monthly closings, fixed asset management, cost accounting, and account reconciliations, while taking on special financial projects that enhance the company’s operational success. This hands-on position is ideal for someone eager to learn, refine their skills, and directly impact the company’s financial performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in financial operations across multiple entities, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of general ledger accounts, intercompany transactions, and bank statements.
• Lead the preparation of comprehensive annual budgets. Monitor performance through monthly variance analyses, ensuring budgets align with operational goals. Provide clear, actionable insights to company stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure financial health. Use detailed analysis of cost of goods sold (COGS), margins, and expense ratios to identify trends, optimize performance, and inform decision-making.
• Act as the primary liaison with external auditors and tax advisors to ensure timely and accurate preparation of tax returns. Stay updated on regulatory changes to implement best practices that enhance compliance and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate the renewal of corporate insurance policies, ensuring adequate coverage for all operational risks. Oversee the timely renewal and payment of local permits and fees to maintain legal compliance.

Job Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in accounting software and GAAP accounting.
• Experience in general ledger accounting and manufacturing accounting.
• Mastery of ERP systems or advanced Accounting software systems.
• Accounting degree with mastery of financial principles.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, of Finance and/or equivalent work experience.