Controller
Controller
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Controller position is responsible for oversight of the Ben Bridge Jewelers accounting and accounts payable department. Ben Bridge Jewelers and Helzberg Diamonds are Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries. The Controller will ensure accuracy of financial statements and company compliance. This position is responsible for compiling and analyzing monthly financial statements for management as well as quarterly and annual financial statements for publicly traded parent company (Berkshire Hathaway). This position will be responsible for the management of department staff, including hiring and day to day oversight.
This position will be located at the Helzberg corporate offices in North Kansas City and may include limited travel to Seattle to the Ben Bridge corporate offices.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
QUALIFICATIONS:
The Controller position is responsible for oversight of the Ben Bridge Jewelers accounting and accounts payable department. Ben Bridge Jewelers and Helzberg Diamonds are Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries. The Controller will ensure accuracy of financial statements and company compliance. This position is responsible for compiling and analyzing monthly financial statements for management as well as quarterly and annual financial statements for publicly traded parent company (Berkshire Hathaway). This position will be responsible for the management of department staff, including hiring and day to day oversight.
This position will be located at the Helzberg corporate offices in North Kansas City and may include limited travel to Seattle to the Ben Bridge corporate offices.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting by maintaining properly stated, reconciled and supported general ledger accounts, including complex banking reconciliations.
- Monitor income statement activity, investigate unusual variances, and ensure appropriate accruals, amortizations, and internal controls.
- Apply FASB guidance to advanced accounting areas such as asset impairment, goodwill, lease accounting, LIFO, marketing co-op funds, fixed‑asset dispositions, and store acquisitions.
- Prepare monthly internal financial statements and variance explanations within established deadlines for executive management.
- Produce quarterly and annual publicly traded financial reports, schedules, and management letters for senior leadership and Berkshire Hathaway executives.
- Lead planning and coordination of internal and external audits by reviewing accounting and financial records and procedures and preparing documentation to support auditor inquiries.
- Collaborate with cross‑functional departments to address audit questions and ensure adherence to controls.
- Manage the non‑merchandise Accounts Payable function ensuring timely and accurate payments, maintaining vendor relationships and resolving complex vendor account issues.
- Oversee treasury and cash‑flow management, including maintenance and periodic updates of banking policies and procedures.
- Participate on the Benefits Compensation Committee, supporting quarterly 401(k) meetings, annual audits, and compliance activities with third-party administrators.
- Respond to store personnel inquiries related to credit card policy and procedures, fraud prevention, banking deposits, invoicing, check policy, and wire processes.
- Prepare and deliver presentations and webinars for company meetings on relevant financial topics and procedures.
- Manage federal and state tax compliance in partnership with external CPA firm, ensuring accurate filings, UNICAP reports, IRS responses, proper GAAP/tax treatment, and payroll compliance.
- Hire, train, and lead an accounting team of eight, establishing clear procedures, performance goals, and departmental documentation while fostering a positive and accountable work environment.
- Provide backup support for weekly and monthly sales reporting to the Executive Team and Berkshire Hathaway CEO.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 10+ years of progressive accounting experience in private industry with ownership of general ledger, financial reporting, and monthly close processes.
- CPA license required.
- Experience with Oracle preferred.
- Previous leadership experience managing, developing, and mentoring accounting staff.
- Strong command of GAAP and FASB standards.
- Understanding of internal control frameworks and risk‑mitigation practices within accounting operations.
- Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to resolve complex issues.
- High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in financial reporting.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain financial concepts clearly to non‑financial stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines, prioritize tasks, and consistently deliver on tight monthly and quarterly timelines.
- Strong documentation, process‑improvement, and procedure‑development capabilities.
- Hybrid schedule with predictable onsite attendance required three or more days per week to perform essential functions involving interactive behaviors with co-workers and managers and direct interaction with internal and/or external customers.
- Travel to Ben Bridge headquarters in Seattle on an as-needed basis; 10% - 15%.