Assistant Controller

Controller Direct Hire | Onsite | Jacksonville, FL Vaco Staffing is partnering with a growing, family-owned transportation and logistics organization in Jacksonville, FL, to identify an experienced Controller / Controller-in-Waiting who can grow into the company's top accounting leadership role. This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on accounting leader to join a well-established organization, work alongside the current Controller during a planned transition, and ultimately assume responsibility for the company's accounting and financial operations. The ideal candidate is someone who has strong technical accounting experience, has progressed through roles such as Accounting Manager or Assistant Controller, and is ready to take the next step-or an experienced Controller who enjoys being hands-on and working closely with operations and leadership. This role is fully onsite and requires someone who is willing to learn the business from the ground up. The successful candidate will spend time understanding the company's customers, freight operations, carriers, purchasing, and day-to-day business before assuming the full scope of the Controller's responsibilities. What You'll Do Accounting & Financial Operations Oversee and support day-to-day accounting operations, including AP, AR, GL, reconciliations, and full-cycle accounting Review and maintain balance sheet, cash, loan, prepaid, deposit, merchant services, COGS, tax accrual, and other accounting accounts Prepare, review, and analyze monthly and annual financial statements Ensure financial reporting is accurate, timely, and compliant with GAAP Support accounting for multiple entities, locations, and business operations Assist with budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial planning Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, controls, and reporting Audit, Tax & Compliance Coordinate with external auditors during annual audits Prepare audit schedules, supporting documentation, and financial information Support tax reporting and tax-related schedules Maintain appropriate internal controls and financial procedures Assist with fraud prevention and financial risk management Leadership & Team Development Provide leadership, mentorship, and support to the accounting team Help oversee accounting functions and team members across AP, AR, payroll, and related areas Serve as a resource and backup for members of the accounting department Build a service-oriented, accountable, and collaborative accounting culture Participate as a member of the company's leadership team and contribute to strategic business decisions Technology & Process Improvement Serve as a key accounting resource for ERP, reporting, and financial technology initiatives Help optimize the company's accounting systems and reporting processes Partner with IT and other departments on system implementations, integrations, and process improvements Learn and become proficient in proprietary systems and technology Leverage data and reporting tools to improve visibility and decision-making Learn the Business This position requires more than traditional accounting knowledge. The successful candidate will be expected to roll up their sleeves and learn the company's operation . During the transition period, you will: Learn the company's customers and service model Gain an understanding of transportation and freight operations Work with carriers and operational teams Understand the company's purchasing and payment processes Learn how revenue is generated and how costs flow through the business Develop a comprehensive understanding of the operation before assuming the Controller role What We’re Looking For Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field 7+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience Experience as an Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, Controller, or similar leadership-level accounting role Strong understanding of full-cycle accounting, including AP, AR, and GL Experience preparing and analyzing financial statements Experience working with external auditors Demonstrated leadership and team-management experience Strong understanding of GAAP Advanced ERP/accounting systems experience Strong technology aptitude and ability to learn new systems quickly Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills Strong communication and interpersonal skills Ability to operate effectively in a hands-on, fast-paced environment High level of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality Preferred Qualifications CPA or MBA Transportation, trucking, logistics, freight, distribution, or supply-chain experience Experience working in a privately held or family-owned organization Experience managing multiple entities or locations Payroll experience Fixed asset accounting experience ERP implementation or software implementation experience Experience managing or mentoring a team of accounting professionals Experience with Business Central, Concur, TriumphPay, Highway, Paylocity, Synergize, Power BI, or similar systems The Ideal Candidate We're looking for someone who is smart, capable, humble, and hands-on . The right person will be comfortable leading a team while also jumping into the details when needed. They should be confident enough to contribute at the executive level but humble enough to learn the business, accept feedback, and build relationships throughout the organization. This is particularly well suited for an Assistant Controller who is ready to become a Controller or a current Controller who wants to join a growing, established organization and have a meaningful long-term impact. Why This Opportunity Planned succession opportunity into the Controller position Opportunity to work directly with and learn from the current Controller Growing transportation and logistics organization Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making Opportunity to influence accounting processes, technology, and reporting Hands-on leadership role with significant visibility Long-term career growth opportunity Employee Benefits Paid Time Off Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Company-Paid Group Life Insurance Short- and Long-Term Disability Supplemental Life Insurance Options 401(k) with company match after 6 months 401(k) contributions vested immediately upon first contribution Compensation: The anticipated salary range for this position is approximately $100,000-$130,000 , depending on experience and qualifications. Exceptional candidates with highly relevant Controller-level experience, transportation/logistics expertise, leadership experience, and/or CPA credentials may be considered above this range. Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including, but not limited to, the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certification requirements, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Vaco is an equal opportunity employer. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. Representation Notice By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. For residents of Ontario, Canada: Based on Highspring's discussions with its Client, Highspring's understanding is that this position for employment is a current vacancy (either through Highspring as a contractor or with the client directly). Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Additionally, submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. More details about Vaco by Highspring's use of AI can be found here ( Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase will be conducted by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco by Highspring does not know and cannot opine on if its client's use of AI products in hiring. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual's skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses. #J-18808-Ljbffr