Controller
American Food & Vending · Greater Syracuse-Auburn Area
- On site
- Full-time
- $185,000 / year
- Greater Syracuse-Auburn Area
Job highlights
- Lead financial reporting and compliance for a large company.
- Manage accounting teams and drive internal controls.
- Oversee tax compliance and acquisition accounting.
- Utilize advanced accounting software and ERP systems.
- Requires CPA and 10+ years of experience.
About the role
Controller
The Controller will serve as the senior-most technical accounting leader within American Food & Vending and partner closely with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of all internal and external financial reporting in accordance with GAAP. The role has full responsibility for maintaining compliance with all applicable tax and regulatory requirements, including the accurate collection and remittance of state sales and use taxes and oversight of timely and accurate income tax reporting.
As the organization’s accounting policy and internal control authority, the Controller will establish and enforce consistent accounting practices, strengthen the control environment, and proactively manage financial risk. This individual will bring deep technical expertise and disciplined execution to ensure reliable financial information and scalable processes across a multi-location organization.
Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Compliance
- Own the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of all financial reporting across the organization.
- Lead the monthly and year-end close processes in full compliance with GAAP.
- Prepare and review internal management and external financial reporting packages.
- Serve as the technical accounting authority, researching and applying complex GAAP guidance.
- Drive internal financial reporting, including P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow, ensuring alignment with stakeholder needs.
- Design and implement segmented P&L reporting to support operational and strategic decision-making.
- Oversee accounts payable through partnership with the A/P Manager, ensuring accuracy, controls, and timely processing.
- Lead and manage the year-end audit process with the external audit firm.
- Coordinate and oversee preparation of all audit schedules, workpapers, and supporting documentation.
- Directly manage and mentor a team of 15+ accounting and accounts payable professionals across the organization.
Internal Controls, Systems & Risk Management
- Establish, implement, and continuously update standardized accounting policies, ensuring consistent application across all entities while guiding financial and operational decision-making in evolving business and regulatory environments and ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local financial regulations.
- Own and manage the company’s accounting systems and general ledger platform, with full accountability for chart of accounts structure, system configuration, data integrity, and financial reporting accuracy
- Design, implement, and enforce internal controls across all financial processes, enhancing and evolving the control environment as needed to safeguard company assets and ensure adherence to established policies and procedures.
- Ensure organization-wide compliance with inventory policies while actively monitoring reporting and variances to drive accuracy, accountability, and operational discipline.
Tax Compliance (Federal & State)
- Ensure accurate calculation, collection, and remittance of Federal Income Tax and State Sales & Use Tax.
- Oversee multi-state tax compliance and reporting requirements across all jurisdictions.
- Partner with external advisors as needed to ensure compliance and optimize tax positions.
Acquisition Accounting & Strategic Growth
- Serve as the financial lead on acquisition accounting, due diligence, and integration.
- Oversee purchase accounting, valuation coordination, and post-acquisition financial reporting.
- Support the CFO and executive team in strategic growth initiatives and expansion efforts.
Qualifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation (required).
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
- 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles.
- GAAP and financial reporting standards, Proven experience managing audits and working with external auditors.
- Working knowledge of federal, state, and local tax compliance regulations and reporting.
- Advanced proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
- Experience in multi-unit, high transaction, food service, hospitality, or similar industries preferred.
- Must work full-time, on-site at the corporate headquarters office. (Liverpool, NY 13088).
About Us
American Food & Vending is one of the largest privately held dining and refreshment service providers in the United States. We infuse innovative solutions with unrivaled service and cutting-edge technology to enhance the guest experience and exceed expectations.
Headquartered in Syracuse, NY, we are a family-owned company that has provided exceptional vending and refreshment solutions for over 80 years, managing operations nationwide. We serve diverse industries, including healthcare, business dining, education, and cultural institutions. Our comprehensive offerings encompass full-service vending and refreshment solutions, such as advanced micro markets, coffee services, pantry services, and water filtration and purification systems.
American Food & Vending is committed to offering diverse meal options comprising fresh and nutritious snacks, beverages, and meals, all backed by trained technicians and attendants who ensure round-the-clock support and maintenance services to fit our guests' preferences and lifestyles.
As a nationally recognized company, we are the proud recipient of NAMA’s (The Foundation of the National Automatic Merchandising Association) prestigious Operator of the Year Award. This esteemed recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service to our valued partners and guests.
We are dedicated to remaining at the forefront of industry trends and technologies, continuously striving to enhance our services and adapt to the evolving needs of our clients and customers.
American Food & Vending Offers
- Weekly Pay
- 401K with company match
- Employee Assistance Program
- Eligible employees offered Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Plans, FSA/HSA
- Ongoing training and development programs
- Bonus Programs for eligible positions
American Food & Vending is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Chat with Scout, our virtual hiring assistant to apply for this position right from your mobile device. Text JOB to (315) 803-6049 to get started!
Key skills/competency
- Financial Reporting
- GAAP Compliance
- Internal Controls
- Tax Compliance
- Acquisition Accounting
- ERP Systems
- Leadership
- Audit Management
- Financial Analysis
- Risk Management
Skills & topics
- Controller
- Accounting
- Finance
- GAAP
- CPA
- Financial Reporting
- Internal Controls
- Tax Compliance
- Audit Management
- ERP Systems
- Leadership
- Liverpool
- NY
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your CPA designation, 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, and leadership roles. Emphasize your expertise in GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and tax compliance, especially for multi-state operations.
- Showcase relevant industry experience: If you have experience in multi-unit, high-transaction, food service, hospitality, or similar industries, make sure it's prominently featured.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss complex GAAP scenarios, internal control frameworks, audit processes, and tax regulations.
- Demonstrate leadership skills: Highlight your experience managing accounting and AP teams, your ability to mentor staff, and your communication skills in presenting financial data.
- Follow application instructions: Utilize the provided text-to-apply option or follow standard application procedures, ensuring all qualifications are clearly addressed.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key responsibilities of the Controller at American Food & Vending?
- The Controller at American Food & Vending is responsible for the integrity of financial reporting, leading month-end and year-end close processes, managing audits, establishing and enforcing internal controls, overseeing tax compliance (federal and state), and serving as the financial lead on acquisitions. This role also involves managing a team of accounting and accounts payable professionals.
- What qualifications are required for the Controller position at American Food & Vending?
- A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is required. Candidates must also have a Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field, along with at least 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles. Advanced proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems, strong communication skills, and knowledge of GAAP and tax regulations are also essential.
- Is there a preference for industry experience for the Controller role?
- Yes, American Food & Vending prefers candidates with experience in multi-unit, high-transaction, food service, hospitality, or similar industries. This background can be beneficial due to the nature of their business operations.
- What is the work arrangement for the Controller position?
- The Controller position is a full-time, on-site role at the corporate headquarters office located in Liverpool, NY. Remote or hybrid work arrangements are not indicated for this position.
- What kind of team will the Controller manage at American Food & Vending?
- The Controller will directly manage and mentor a team of 15 or more accounting and accounts payable professionals. This indicates a significant leadership opportunity within the finance department.
- How does American Food & Vending support employee development?
- American Food & Vending offers ongoing training and development programs to its employees. This commitment to growth, alongside benefits like a 401K with company match and bonus programs, suggests a supportive work environment for career advancement.
- What is the significance of the 'Operator of the Year Award' for American Food & Vending?
- The 'Operator of the Year Award' from NAMA highlights American Food & Vending's commitment to exceptional service and operational excellence in the automatic merchandising industry. This recognition suggests a company culture focused on quality and customer satisfaction.
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