Accounting Controller

Meritus Gas Partners , a national leader in gas and welding supply distribution, is seeking an Accounting Controller to join their team based in Phoenix, AZ or Denver, CO . About the Role Meritus Gas Partners is seeking an experienced Controller to direct financial reporting, manage accounting operations, and support the organization’s growth and ongoing M&A strategy. Based in Phoenix or Denver, this high-visibility position serves as a commercial co-pilot to Business Unit Presidents and regional leadership. Rather than operating in an advisory silo, the Controller exercises direct decision-making authority to influence operating strategy, optimize capital allocation, and drive sustainable growth. Due to regular exposure to executive leadership and the corporate board, high performance in this role provides clear advancement pathways across the broader enterprise. Key Responsibilities Financial Reporting & Controllership Direct all business-unit accounting operations, ensuring timely, complete, and GAAP-compliant financial reporting. Own and refine the monthly, quarterly, and fiscal year-end close cycles to boost reporting speed and accuracy. Maintain standardized accounting policies, reconciliation standards, internal control environments, and accurate reserve and accrual calculations. Address complex accounting treatments and deliver recurring reporting packages and performance analyses to business unit and corporate leaders. Partner with operational leaders to reflect commercial activity accurately within financial statements. M&A Integration & Due Diligence Serve as the principal accounting lead on regional merger, acquisition, and operational integration initiatives. Collaborate with corporate development, IT, HR, and operations to assess acquisition targets, evaluate working capital, and conduct accounting due diligence. Formulate and execute structured post-acquisition accounting integration roadmaps, standardizing charts of accounts, reporting cadence, closing schedules, and internal controls. Oversee purchase accounting adjustments, opening balance sheets, and transaction-related ledger entries. Transition acquired entities seamlessly onto core enterprise accounting policies and reporting systems. Audit, Compliance & Systems Lead business-unit preparations for annual external audits by coordinating schedules, reconciliations, workpapers, and supporting documentation. Maintain strict adherence to U.S. GAAP, statutory requirements, internal controls, and documentation protocols. Liaise with corporate accounting, FP&A, treasury, and tax teams on shared operational mandates. Team with IT and systems personnel to evaluate, implement, and optimize accounting platforms and automation tools. Team Leadership & Business Partnership Supervise, mentor, and build a high-performing finance team comprising approximately four core accountants alongside AP and AR personnel. Establish clear workflows, accountability measures, balanced workload allocations, and proper segregation of duties across the team. Advise operational leaders by converting financial statements into practical operational guidance. Identify reporting gaps and initiate process enhancements that raise margin visibility, lower costs, and eliminate operational bottlenecks. Candidate Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or an equivalent discipline. Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential. Minimum of 8 years of progressive accounting experience, with a solid track record in corporate controllership, mid-to-large business units, or public accounting environments. Demonstrated success supervising accounting teams, managing financial closes, and standardizing accounting procedures. In-depth expertise in U.S. GAAP, internal control frameworks, and technical transaction accounting. Prior hands-on experience supporting corporate development, financial due diligence, and post-close M&A integrations. Strong business acumen and the ability to partner effectively with senior executive leaders. Why Join Meritus Gas Partners Comprehensive Benefits: Premium healthcare coverage, dental and vision reimbursement, 401(k) retirement plan with corporate match, paid holidays, generous PTO, and professional development programs. Recession-Resilient Industry: Essential supplier status across key markets including manufacturing, fabrication, healthcare, infrastructure, and advanced technology. Strategic Autonomy: Significant latitude to shape operational procedures, standardize regional controls, and implement process enhancements across a portfolio of operating companies. Upward Mobility: Broad expansion across national markets creates ongoing opportunities for internal promotion and leadership advancement. About Meritus Gas Partners Meritus Gas Partners builds a national network of premier independent gas and welding supply distributors. Partner companies operate with local independence, retaining their established local brands, personnel, and customer service models, while leveraging parent-company capital, centralized resources, and national purchasing power. Meritus Gas Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified candidates receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic data, veteran status, or any other protected legal classification. #J-18808-Ljbffr