Sr. Accountant / Assistant Controller

Description

Managed through the Riverbend Industries portfolio, Phoenix Manufacturing (PMI) is a leading manufacturer and provider of evaporative cooling systems for residential, commercial and industrial applications. PMI prides itself on the quality and innovation that go into every product.

Riverbend Industries (RBI) is a private family-owned portfolio holding company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The portfolio is primarily comprised of several small, independently operated, previously family-run businesses in the light manufacturing and distribution sectors. The portfolio is a long-term holder of its investments/assets and plans to grow both organically and through acquisitions into the near future.

Position Summary

The Sr. Accountant/Assistant Controller will support the Controller in overseeing the accounting and finance operations within a manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for assisting in the preparation of financial reports, maintaining a robust system of accounting records, and supporting a framework of internal controls and budgets aimed at minimizing financial risk. The position plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Additionally, the Sr. Accountant / Assistant Controller will work cross-functionally with various departments to promote efficient financial operations, improve cost control, and support strategic decision-making.

Key interactions include:

• Collaborating with Operations Team to gain insights into production costs, inventory management, and cost-control strategies
• Collaborating with Sales & Marketing Team to forecast sales, manage budgets, and analyze the financial impacts of marketing initiatives 
• Collaborating with Human Resources Team on payroll, benefits, and other employee-related expenses to ensure accurate financial allocation
• Collaborating with Executive Management in delivering financial insights and reports to support informed strategic decision-making 

Essential Job Functions

• The Sr. Accountant/Assistant Controller will have several responsibilities including, but not limited to the following:
• Prepare and publish timely and accurate monthly financial statements.
• Collaborate with the Business Controller to coordinate the preparation of regulatory reporting.
• Record and analyze financial transactions by preparing journal entries for assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses.
• Support month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Support and prepare timely monthly and quarterly budgeting forecasts. 
• Support the operational accounting structure to align with manufacturing and cost accounting practices.
• Maintain and enforce a documented system of accounting policies and procedures.
• Assist in overseeing the operations of the accounting department, including developing an organizational structure that supports departmental goals and objectives.
• Maintain and reconcile subsidiary accounts by verifying, allocating, posting transactions, and resolving discrepancies.
• Ensure timely processing of departmental payments.
• Serve as a backup for Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable functions.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of the company’s financial data.
• Support the Business Controller in implementing and monitoring internal controls and compliance with company policies.
• Facilitate external audits by preparing schedules, reconciling general ledger accounts, and providing required documentation.
• Review and approve weekly payroll prior to processing.
• Submit monthly insurance billing reports.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal reporting requirements and tax filings.
• Foster a collaborative and team-oriented work environment, promoting positive employee relations and proactively addressing potential conflicts.
• Adhere to and promote all applicable safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

This is a guideline to help you evaluate the additional duties as required

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field required
• CPA or CMA certification preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting experience 
• Experience in public accounting or a corporate accounting environment preferred
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting standards 
• Has worked in a Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliant environment
• Experience in a Manufacturing environment is highly desirable
• Experience with Cost Accounting such as working with costed bills of material, understanding labor absorption, and understanding Variable Overhead Absorption a plus!
• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Excellent analytical, organization, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment 
• Flexible, assertive, team player who is willing to help wherever needed to achieve company goals
• Must have ability to lead by example

Skills and Characteristics 

• Operational background and proven ability to contribute at the strategic level (i.e., strategic forecasting, planning and decision making)
• Innovative, strategic thinker and planner with the ability to create and communicate a vision for the future and translate it into clear strategies, specific priorities and scorecards to track progress
• Comfort with and preference for collaborative work – both within the senior leadership team and the finance organization as a whole; willingness to identity, build, and propose solutions collectively
• Ability to engage, inspire, motivate, and develop at all levels of the portfolio
• Excellent verbal, written and board-level presentation skills; communication of business plans, strategies, financial results, and action plans
• Working knowledge of finance law and regulatory standards (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)
• Proven financial and accounting technical skills and business savvy

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Ability to remain seated for extended periods
• Willing and able to raise and transport articles weighing up to 10 pounds
• Willing to wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by company policy.
• Willing to work in and spend time in a manufacturing environment

The work environment described here is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee will be in an Office-based environment. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. 

This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. This position description is not all inclusive.

PMI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.