Group Controller

Overview JOB SUMMARY The Group Controller is a mid‑senior level position responsible for managing company‑wide accounting operations for American Foods Group (AFG), reporting to the President of Finance and Accounting. This role will serve as the leader to manage financial and accounting policies, systems and financial reporting processes, and controls. The Group Controller will influence and drive decisions and perform complex financial analysis that will help identify, prioritize and execute opportunities. The role is highly cross‑functional and requires close, daily interactions with diverse functions spanning Accounting, Sales, IT, Operations, Procurement, and Supply Chain. The Group Controller is responsible for the delivery of effective and efficient corporate accounting and financial systems, policies and processes that meet the current and future business requirements of the organization. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Financial Reporting, Annual Budgeting, and Cash Flow Management: Oversee and direct all accounting and financial aspects of AFG which includes a multi‑plant environment, including accounts payable, credit and claims, monthly financial close including the preparation of consolidated financial statements and intercompany allocations, annual budgeting, and meaningful variance analysis. Lead financial audits and maintain relationships with external auditors. Establish and ensure compliance with accounting standard operating procedures. Implement and improve tools, systems, and processes to provide critical financial and operational information to the leadership team and make actionable recommendations on both strategy and operations. Research, advise and, at times implement complex technical accounting matters. Continually monitor data accuracy and integrity within systems through regular review and audits. Implement corrective actions as needed. Develop board and leadership team presentations on financial and business performance. Maintain leadership confidence and confidentially protect company information and data. Partner with department leaders to drive accountability to budget targets and identify opportunities for optimisation. Lead and continuously enhance the cash flow forecasting process, working closely with Accounting and Operations to ensure accuracy and actionable insights. Monitor daily and weekly cash positions, highlight variances vs. forecast, and proactively manage liquidity to support operating needs, growth initiatives, and capital investments. Financial Due Diligence and Long‑Range Planning: Conduct financial due diligence on new initiatives such as market entry, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, or capital investments. Assist with the financial integration of acquisitions. Build business cases with sensitivity analyses and ROI thresholds to support go/no‑go decisions. Support the development of AFG’s multi‑year financial plan that aligns with corporate objectives and growth strategies. Drive collaboration across departments to ensure long‑range planning inputs are supportable and consistent with operational roadmaps. Drive continuous improvement by automating, refining, and implementing processes and tools to support scalable growth. Provide executive leadership with visibility into long‑term value creation levers, including market expansion, margin enhancement, and capital investment strategies. Drive clarity and rigor in business planning decisions through deep dives, SG&A leverage and return on investments. Leadership and Talent Development: Motivate, mentor, lead and manage members of the Accounting department to build capabilities and foster high‑performance. Promote a culture of analytical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement. Drive change management and the evolution of accounting processes and systems, ensuring scalability and alignment with company growth. Advocate for financial best practices across the organization. Drive cross‑functional collaboration and knowledge sharing to enhance financial decision‑making. Support a data‑driven culture for improved performance and outcomes. Risk Management/Compliance: Comply with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions. Oversee and/or develop internal control systems and compliance with applicable finance or accounting or tax laws, regulations, or good business practice as well as oversight of internal financial compliance systems. Identify risks and mitigate potential challenges ensuring compliance while maintaining effective system of internal controls. Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field. CPA required. MBA preferred. 10+ years of professional experience with a combination of public and private experience. Experience leading multi‑site reporting and consolidation to include decision support. Complex problem‑solving skills including identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. Critical thinking skills including logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Adept at process mapping and solution generation with proven success in developing fit‑for‑purpose systems/processes. ADDITIONAL SKILLS/EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS Proficient with Microsoft Suite including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills, with a professional demeanor and the ability to interact with all levels of management, colleagues, and vendors. Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to deal with and resolve ambiguous, confidential, and sensitive situations and issues of a complex nature while providing flexible solutions. Organised, with a sense of urgency and the ability to multitask, prioritise, and manage shifting responsibilities in a dynamic, cross‑functional teamwork environment. Ability to adapt to modification and changes to project plans, demonstrating flexibility to implement new strategies and tactics to accommodate changes. Successful record of creating and managing complex project plans, timelines, budgets, and critical paths. Strong leadership/influencing skills with the ability to work effectively within a complex system, influence others, and drive results. Commitment to demonstrating the highest standard of ethical conduct and integrity; a willingness to continually embrace personal and professional development. Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants with a disability who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process can contact Human Resources at the location(s) where you are applying. We participate in the E‑Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Benefits What we offer: Competitive total compensation package for you and your family. Excellent benefit plan. Benefits include: Health and Wellness Clinic, Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flex Spending Accounts, Voluntary Benefits, PTO, 401k, Long & Short Term Disability, Discount Meat Purchase Program, and more! #J-18808-Ljbffr