Controller (CPA) for FDA Food Manufacturer

Elmer Chocolate is the oldest family-owned chocolate company in America. Our factory in Ponchatoula is the 2nd-largest manufacturer of Valentine boxed chocolate in North America with annual sales revenue of $75 - $100 million.

• Full time; salaried; exempt; onsite/Ponchatoula office

• Blue Cross/Blue Shield medical plans for the entire family

• Ample PTO

• 401k plan

• Monthly employee appreciation events

• Free chocolate

We seek a detail-oriented and experienced Controller to report to the CFO. This position is under direct mentorship of our CFO of 32 years and is strategically aligned with the CFO succession and business continuity plans. The Controller's role on the finance team is crucial: ensuring the accuracy of financial reporting and compliance, interacting with cross-functional teams to provide insights for strategic decision-making, and guiding external banking relationships.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• CPA required;
• 3-7 years of experience in a similar role or in public accounting preferred;
• Stong understanding of financial and cost accounting principles;
• Proficiency in ERP system and advanced Excel skills;
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organization skills;
• Strong communication skills: written and verbal; and
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Analysis: Assist in the preparation of financial reports, forecasts, and variance analyses to drive profit enhancement and support strategic initiatives;
• Collaboration: Interact with cross-functional teams to provide financial insights and support budget planning, enhancing overall operational efficiency;
• Cash Management: Monitor cash and line of credit balances and project cash receipts and spend to match credit availability. Generate monthly reports as required by existing banking relationships;
• Compliance: Assist with internal and external audits and ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards;
• Budgeting: Assist in the development of predictive models to create annual and muti-year financial projections;
• Payroll and Sales Taxes: Ensure timely and accurate payroll tax compliance, including reporting and payment;
• Month-End Close: Support the month-end close process by ensuring all entries are recorded accurately and on time;
• ERP Management: Develop an in-depth understanding of the Company's ERP systems to manage financial data, streamline processes, conduct cost analysis and enhance reporting capabilities;
• Excel Proficiency: Develop and maintain complex spreadsheets for financial analysis and reporting. Fluency in other Microsoft Office suite products (Word, Outlook, Power Point);
• Lives and communicates Elmer Chocolate Values, our guiding principles;
• Compliance with State and Federal laws, regulations, & requirements; and
• Other projects or tasks, as assigned.

Physical Requirements to Perform this Job: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Sitting (customary desk ergonomics);
• Occasionally required to stoop, bend, kneel, reach, crouch, crawl, use force, carry & push/pull;
• Ability to hear and speak;
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds;
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus;
• Regular and prompt attendance on site is required;
• Ability to pass a criminal background check upon hire and annually;
• Ability to pass drug screens; and
• Reliable transportation.

Work Environment and Conditions: Infrequent exposure to a food manufacturing environment where the plant is in operation several shifts per day. Climate controlled environment with occasional exposure to high heat & humidity (105ºF - 110ºF) in kitchen and tank room areas. Proper use of PPE required in some areas.

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the job described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all of the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. All job descriptions are subject to change at any time at Company discretion. This job description does not constitute an employment contract between the employer and the employee. If an employee's ability to perform an essential function of the job is affected by disability, the employee has the right to request a reasonable accommodation. For ADA assistance with this application, call or text (985) 415-4069.