Controller
Controller | Merchants & Co.
Denver, CO (HQ)
Legacy & The Future
Established in 1940, Merchants & Co. is an 86-year-old, family-owned office furniture dealership that blends a rich history with a high-growth mindset. As a premier Haworth partner (key manufacturer), we design, provide, and install commercial interiors across the US and internationally. With $50 million in annual revenue, we are looking for a hands-on, strategic Controller to lead our accounting department as our current Controller retires.
The Role
Reporting to the CFO (Owner/CFA), you will oversee an AP Specialist and an AR Specialist. You will manage daily entries and month-end closings while consulting on high-level revenue strategies and leading cost-containment initiatives in a shifting inflationary environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Accounting and Reporting
- Manage all accounting functions within Khameleon (ERP). Oversee the billing cycle (typically 60% deposit / 40% at installation) and occasional POC projects.
- Regularly review the performance of those under direct supervision. Select, train, develop, and coach the accounting staff.
- Install and maintain all accounting software programs. Ensure the systems are fully utilized and provide the information needed.
- Develop procedures and policies so that financial statements are accurate and timely and that expenses are coded in accordance with guidelines set within the company’s budgeting model.
- Produce financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Coordinate year-end financial review with external accountants and provide these to Haworth.
- Develop cash management policies and reporting to evaluate and optimize cash flow for the company.
- Manage account manager commissions via ERP system.
- Oversee and guide multi-state sales tax remittances in the U.S. and for occasional international projects.
- Review client contracts and requests for changes to our terms and conditions.
Strategy and Analysis
- Partner with the CFO to identify margin-improvement opportunities and implement internal cost controls.
- Support forecasting, annual budgeting, and quarterly internal updates for the team.
- Generate KPIs for project team members, namely number of projects and aggregate dollar values.
Banking and Cash Flow Management
- Manage the PNC banking relationship (untapped line of credit and acquisition loan).
- Monitor and manage cash balances and early payments for early pay discounts.
- Manage bank reconciliations and ACH controls.
Insurance and External Reporting
- Review and guide business insurance policies, including assessing cost and coverage.
- Prepare annual industry performance surveys for Solomon Coyle, an industry data analysis and consulting firm.
Human Resources
- Process payroll every two weeks.
- Maintain Paychex system.
- Reconcile benefits statements with payroll.
- Act as the secondary point of contact for HR related matters.
The Ideal Candidate
- Experience: 4+ years as a Controller or in a relevant senior accounting role.
- Technical Skills: High proficiency in ERP systems and multi-state tax nexus.
- Attributes: A disciplined “numbers person” who thrives in a family-owned culture and isn’t afraid to dive into the daily ledger.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance; CPA is preferred; HR training/experience is a plus.
Compensation & Culture
- Salary: $130,000 – $150,000 and discretionary bonus up to 10% (based on individual and company performance).
- 401(k) Match: 100% match on the first 3% of deferred compensation, plus a 50% match on the next 2% (up to a 4% total company contribution).
- Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance.
- Work Environment: We maintain a collaborative, in-office culture. This role is based in our Denver showroom four days per week, with one optional work-from-home day.