Controller at Babcox Media in Fairlawn, OH 44333

Job description

• The Controller is responsible for the Company’s day-to-day accounting operations and ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information. This role produces and reviews financial statements, owns the month end close process, maintains internal controls, and ensures compliance with U.S. GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements. The Controller owns the day-to-day accounting function and underlying financial systems, driving process improvements and operational discipline across the organization. This position partners closely with senior leadership to provide reliable financial insights, enhance visibility into performance, and support informed business decision-making. This is a hands-on Controller role, with direct ownership of the close and day to day accounting execution.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly financial statements, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Develop and maintain budgets and forecasts, providing updates and variance analysis to leadership.
• Generate and analyze financial reports to identify trends and support strategic decision-making.
• Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard financial data.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to support financial needs and company growth initiatives.
• Communicate financial concepts and information effectively to senior management and non-financial stakeholders.
• Ensure proactive financial transparency to manage financial and operational risks.
• Maintain confidentiality of all financial information, data, and strategic plans.
• Leverage AI tools to assist with financial analysis and variance insights.
• Support accounts payable, accounts receivable, and billing departments to ensure timely and accurate execution.
• Prepare journal entries and account reconciliations, maintaining a clean and accurate general ledger.
• Manage payroll-related tasks, including journal entries and accurate special compensation calculations.
• Manage accounting department capacity, ensuring team productivity through delegation and prioritization support.
• Mentor accounting staff, providing guidance and technical expertise.
• Maintain and update accounting policies, processes, and internal control systems.
• Leverage AI tools to drive process improvement and streamline cross-functional operations.
• Analyze costs, identify inefficiencies, and recommend financial strategies to improve profitability.
• Review and analyze vendor contracts, identifying opportunities for cost savings.
• Manage certain vendor relationships, ensuring quality and efficiency in services provided.
• Ensure adherence to U.S. GAAP and applicable accounting standards.
• Prepare and maintain audit-ready financials, schedules, and supporting documentation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and tax advisors, coordinating information requests and ensuring timely, accurate responses.
• Support third-party tax preparation, including coordination of quarterly estimates and required filings.
• Oversee compliance with applicable tax and regulatory requirements across all jurisdictions, in coordination with external advisors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, CPA preferred but not required.
• 8+ years of relevant accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and legal compliance requirements.
• In-depth understanding of accounting principles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Proficiency in accounting systems and tools, along with advanced Excel skills.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven experience in managing, leading, coaching, and training personnel.
• Experience in payroll management and understanding compensation structures.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Familiarity with AI tools for reporting, analysis, and communication.

Skills

Required

• Advanced Excel skills