Reports To: CEO

Our client, a long-established and highly respected licensed cannabis operator in Connecticut, is seeking a Financial Controller to help build and lead the internal accounting function during a pivotal stage of growth. With a decade of operational history, 140 employees, and $35–$40 million in annual revenue, the company operates in a fast-paced, hands-on environment where accuracy, structure, and financial leadership are essential.

This is a highly visible, on-site role supporting the CFO in strengthening financial operations, improving systems, and building a reliable month-end close process.

Role Overview

The Financial Controller will oversee all day-to-day accounting activities and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting. This person will help bring structure, discipline, and efficiency to the finance department while navigating the unique financial complexities of the cannabis industry, including 280E and inventory/COGS considerations.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, operationally minded, and thrives in a lean, entrepreneurial environment.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations

• Lead and execute all daily accounting tasks, including AP, AR, invoicing, bank reconciliations, journal entries, and GL maintenance.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes with speed and accuracy.
• Ensure reliable reconciliation of all accounts in QuickBooks.
• Maintain and monitor strong internal controls and financial procedures.

Financial Reporting

• Prepare timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Support the CFO & CEO in creating dashboards, variance analyses, and financial reporting packages for leadership and ownership.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and financial statement accuracy.

Cost Accounting & Inventory

• Manage inventory accounting, cost of goods sold (COGS), and margin calculations.
• Support unit economics, cost analysis, and pricing initiatives.
• Work closely with operations to validate production, yield, and costing data.

280E & Regulatory Compliance

• Assist with cannabis-specific tax compliance, including 280E considerations and COGS allocation.
• Ensure adherence to all state and federal regulatory financial requirements.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting systems, processes, and workflows.
• Implement structure and discipline in a lean, fast-moving environment.
• Support the CFO in reducing reliance on external accounting partners.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with operations, supply chain, HR, and leadership to ensure financial accuracy and alignment.
• Provide operational insights through financial data to help drive productivity and margin improvements
• Hands on approach

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA strongly preferred but not required.

Professional Experience

• 5–8+ years of progressive accounting experience, ideally including experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or Senior Accountant ready for the next step.
• Experience in manufacturing, CPG, pharma, or cannabis is highly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with QuickBooks, ERP systems, and building accounting processes from the ground up.

Skills

• Strong understanding of GAAP and internal controls.
• Excellent financial reporting and month-end close skills.
• Strong grasp of cost accounting and inventory processes.
• Ability to thrive in a lean, “roll up your sleeves” culture.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational rigor.
• Ability to work on-site daily and partner closely with operations.

Work Environment & Expectations

• On-site only role at the Watertown facility.
• Fast-paced, entrepreneurial culture; not a 9–5 environment.
• Ideal for someone who enjoys wearing multiple hats and building structure in a growing organization.
• High collaboration with the leadership team.