ASSISTANT CONTROLLER

Job Description

Job Description

Join the Forward Team!

Forward Corporation is seeking a detail-oriented, experienced, and motivated Assistant Controller to join our dynamic finance team.

As our Assistant Controller, you will partner closely with the Chief Financial Officer to help guide the financial health of our organization. This role is ideal for an experienced accounting professional who enjoys financial reporting, analysis, process improvement, and collaborating across multiple businesses. You will play a key role in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and helping support the continued growth of our organization.

About Forward Corporation

Forward Corporation is a fifth-generation, family-owned Michigan company that has proudly served communities for more than 100 years. Our diverse portfolio includes Shell and Marathon convenience stores, Subway restaurants, Super 8 Motels, the LumberJack Lodge and Restaurant, Forward Energy, T.R. McTaggart, and other growing business operations.

Headquartered in Standish, Michigan, we proudly employ approximately 800 team members throughout the state and are committed to providing exceptional service while investing in our employees and communities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and account reconciliations.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close processes.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements and management reports.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies and financial procedures.
• Help maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with financial reporting and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct financial analysis and provide recommendations to support strategic business decisions.
• Assist in mentoring members of the accounting team.
• Partner with external auditors during annual audits.
• Collaborate with departments across the organization to improve financial processes and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting preferred; Associate's degree in Accounting required.
• CPA certification preferred.
• Five or more years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in a multi-entity organization.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Experience with month-end close, account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.
• Experience working with external auditors.
• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present financial information clearly.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Why Join Forward?

If you're looking to build your career with a stable, growing Michigan company that values integrity, teamwork, and continuous improvement, we'd love to hear from you.

We offer:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• A collaborative, team-oriented work environment
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a company with more than a century of success

Ready to join the Forward Team? Apply today at !