Controller

Description

Who are we

Yamamotoyama U.S.A., a certified Great Place to Work, stands as a testament to the art of traditional Japanese green tea and nori seaweed products, upholding a commitment to unparalleled quality since 1690. Our culture is enriched by diverse backgrounds, all striving to find their unique voice in a harmonious blend. This spirit of unity in diversity extends to our portfolio, which includes the globally recognized Stash Tea Company, offering an expansive array of premium teas. In addition, we proudly present Ujido, a brand deeply rooted in the art and tradition of Japanese Matcha. Our dedication to excellence is not just in our products, but in the mosaic of voices that shape our legacy.


Purpose of the Role:

The Controller is a pivotal role leading the Accounting department, serving as a financial steward of the whole organization. This role is responsible for overseeing the entire spectrum of accounting activities, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records and compliance with financial regulations, and contributing to strategic financial guidance to support informed decision-making and sustainable growth.



We Encourage You to Apply:

We understand that not everyone fits perfectly into a list of qualifications. If you are passionate about this role, our product, and our history, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the listed requirements. We value diverse experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.


 

Responsibilities:

• Accounting Oversight: Oversee Yamamotoyama U.S.A.’s comprehensive accounting activities, manage timely and accurate month-end close processes, and ensure the organization's financial health and compliance with multi-state regulatory standards.
• Team Leadership: Manage and develop accounting teams in a fast-paced environment, fostering a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and adherence to accounting best practices.
• Systems: Lead adoption of additional ERP system features and new software to continue digital transformation of the Accounting department.
• Internal Controls: Implement and manage robust internal control systems, policies, and procedures to safeguard assets, prevent fraud, and maintain the integrity of financial data.
• Corporate Accounting: Support Treasury team’s management of cash flow, ensure compliance with all relevant tax laws, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements. Work closely with external auditors and preparers to manage and complete audits and tax requests.
• Financial Reporting: Support Finance department with timely preparation of financial statements, reports, and analyses. Provide the Executive Team and cross-functional stakeholders with comprehensive financial insights to inform strategic decision-making. Support senior management with ad-hoc financial analysis and reporting.
• Budget and Forecasting: Support Finance department with the budgeting and forecasting processes, collaborating with various departments to establish financial goals, monitor performance, and identify opportunities for cost control and revenue growth.
• Ad Hoc Projects: Support management with ad-hoc financial analysis and other projects as assigned.

Core Skills:

• Strategic Thinking: Commitment to strategic prioritization, managing tasks and projects and making the most of available resources to achieve goals. 
• Enterprise Mindset: Innate enterprise mindset, always thinking about the bigger picture and recognizing how financial decisions impact overall objectives.
• Effective Communication: Ensuring messages are clear, succinct, understandable for the audience, timely, and frequently delivered to all relevant stakeholders. 
• Time Management: Using time efficiently to complete projects ahead of schedule when possible, including monitoring deadlines and managing workload effectively. 
• Influence: Ability to influence cross-functional teams to achieve departmental goals and drive organizational priorities. 

Core Behaviors:

• People Management: Excellent people management skills, including proven experience with coaching, conflict resolution, and giving and receiving feedback. Willing and able to develop direct reports’ technical skills, core skills, and key behaviors needed to grow professionally at Yamamotoyama U.S.A. 
• Adaptability: Highly adaptable and ready to embrace financial and organizational changes, leading direct reports and key stakeholders through department and enterprise-wide transformations.
• Change Readiness: Enthusiasm for adopting new processes and systems, keeping up with industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Accountability: Strong sense of accountability and willingness to own work outside of your remit as necessary. Demonstrated self-awareness, including the ability to own mistakes and learn from them.

• Relationship Building: Understanding others’ motivations and interest in building rapport with team members both in and outside of the Accounting department.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. MBA preferred.
• CPA license.
• 8 years of progressive accounting leadership experience, with a strong track record of financial systems and processes management.
• Minimum 5 years in people management role. 
• In-depth knowledge of financial reporting, inventory costing, manufacturing accounting, sales tax reporting, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, as well as a strong understanding of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in a CPG or similar environment.
• High proficiency in ERP software, ideally Sage X3, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong experience with accounting software management, including implementation processes.

Physical Requirements: 

For the role of Controller, the physical requirements are generally minimal due to the office-based nature of the job. However, some physical demands may include:

• Regularly required to sit for extended periods.
• Frequently required to use a computer, including typing and viewing a monitor.
• Regularly required to talk and/or listen in conversations with customers and team members, both in-person and over the phone.
• Occasionally may need to lift and move small office supplies, up to 25 lbs.
• Occasional travel may be required for trade shows or meetings, which could involve standing for long periods, walking long distances, and transporting light materials.
• Good manual dexterity for the use of common office equipment such as computer keyboards, monitors, copiers, and scanners.

The annual pay range for this full-time position is $175,000 -  $195,000. Our pay ranges are guided by the discipline, level, and experience required. Within the range, individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including your specific location, desired skills/ technical competency, relevant experience, and advanced education/ training.

Note: The above physical requirements are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Yamamotoyama is an equal opportunity employer. At Yamamotoyama, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that cultivates creativity and innovation. Although rich in history, innovation is woven into our DNA, and this demands diversity of thought. Our commitment to serving our community wholeheartedly compels us to embrace a broad spectrum of perspectives, backgrounds, regions, and experiences.

Salary : $175,000 - $195,000