Financial Controller / Accounting Director

Position Summary

The Financial Controller / Accounting Director will serve as the senior finance leader for the California airport retail and distribution operations, overseeing accounting, financial reporting, operational finance processes, internal controls, and team leadership across multiple legal entities.

This role operates within a complex, high-volume airport retail and distribution environment consisting of duty free and luxury retail operations, a distribution and warehouse facility, and multiple affiliated entities. The position requires a highly hands-on “player-coach” leader capable of balancing strategic oversight with day-to-day accounting execution and operational coordination.

The Controller will report jointly to the VP of Airport Operations and the CFO and will supervise the local finance and accounting team.

Core Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Accounting Oversight

• Lead and oversee month-end and year-end financial close processes across multiple California operating entities
• Review, reconcile, and validate financial statements and supporting schedules
• Ensure accuracy of general ledger activity, accruals, amortization, fixed assets, lease accounting, and intercompany balances
• Validate IFRS lease accounting calculations and support dual IFRS/US GAAP reporting requirements where applicable
• Oversee accounting for operational expenses, entity cross-charges, and intercompany allocations
• Ensure proper accounting treatment and compliance with company policies and reporting standards

Operational Finance Leadership

• Coordinate closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Warehouse, HR, Compliance, Loss Prevention, and HQ Finance teams
• Support operational management through financial analysis, reporting validation, and process oversight
• Maintain strong ownership of accounting processes within ERP and reporting systems
• Support implementation, integration, and continuous improvement of financial and operational systems

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain strong internal accounting controls and process discipline
• Support external audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting processes
• Coordinate with auditors, tax advisors, and internal stakeholders
• Ensure timely reconciliation of bank accounts, intercompany balances, and entity-level reporting

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and organize a small but high-impact accounting and finance team
• Establish clear processes, accountability, and operational discipline
• Develop team capabilities and support succession planning and internal growth

Preferred Candidate Profile

• Strong experience within retail, luxury retail, travel retail, airport retail, distribution, or multi-entity operational environments
• Proven experience leading accounting operations across multiple legal entities
• Strong operational accounting and financial reporting background
• Prior experience managing small but highly functional finance teams
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced and evolving environments
• Strong understanding of ERP systems, financial process ownership, and reporting structures

Technical Experience

Preferred experience with:

• SAP Business One
• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
• POS-integrated accounting environments
• Power BI or operational reporting platforms
• Multi-entity accounting structures
• IFRS and/or US GAAP environments

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• CPA or equivalent certification preferred but not mandatory
• 7–12+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience
• Prior audit experience is a plus
• English fluency required
• Spanish and/or Mandarin considered an advantage

Ideal Work Style

• Hands-on and operationally engaged
• Detail-oriented with strong process discipline
• Strong communicator across operational and executive teams
• Able to balance strategic priorities with execution
• Comfortable working cross-functionally within international organizations

Benefits

• Day One Health Benefits
• 401k Plan Contributions
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Parking Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $140,000-$160,000. Placement within this range will be based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity. This role is eligible for an annual bonus program.