Controller

ACE Hardware•Kansas City, MO

13d•$160,000 - $200,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Controller is responsible for leading the full accounting function for Ace Retail Group (ARG), ensuring enterprise-level financial integrity, governance, and reporting accuracy across a multi-entity, $800M+ retail organization. This role owns the accounting strategy, internal control environment, and financial reporting processes, and serves as a key finance partner to senior leadership to support business performance and decision-making. Ace Retail Group (ARG) is a division of Ace Hardware Corporation that owns and operates several well-known Ace brands, including Westlake Ace, Great Lakes Ace, Buikema’s Ace, Outer Banks Ace, Dennis Company, and Breed & Company. As one of the largest hardware retailers in the United States, ARG operates more than 250 neighborhood stores nationwide and maintains its headquarters in Overland Park, Kansas. With roots dating back over a century, ARG’s success is driven by its people. What truly sets us apart in the industry is our commitment to hiring and developing individuals who are passionate about personal and professional growth and who want to be part of a company built on strong, enduring Core Values: Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility and Teamwork

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA strongly preferred)
Progressive accounting leadership experience, including responsibility for a multi-entity or multi-location organization
Deep expertise in GAAP, financial reporting, and accounting operations
Demonstrated ownership of full-cycle financial close processes, including consolidation and financial statement oversight
Experience establishing and leading internal controls, financial governance, and audit processes
Proven ability to operate within organizations of similar scale and complexity, ideally supporting a business generating approximately $800M+ in annual revenue
Experience partnering with senior leadership to support financial and operational decision-making
Strong understanding of financial systems, data integrity, and process scalability
Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams in a fast-paced, evolving environment
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to translate financial data into actionable insights

Nice To Haves

Experience within a multi-location retail or consumer-facing business
Experience supporting acquisitions, integrations, or organizational transformation
Track record of strengthening financial controls and scaling processes in a growing organization

Responsibilities

Own the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial reporting across a multi-entity retail organization
Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including consolidation and financial statement preparation in accordance with GAAP
Ensure consistency and rigor in general ledger management and account reconciliation processes
Establish and maintain a strong internal control environment and financial governance structure
Own audit readiness and lead internal and external audit processes, including issue resolution and remediation
Develop, implement, and enforce accounting policies, standards, and compliance requirements across the organization
Build, lead, and scale a high-performing accounting organization aligned to business needs
Establish clear accountability, performance expectations, and operational discipline within the team
Drive talent development, succession planning, and capability building across the function
Serve as a key finance partner to senior leadership, providing financial insights to support strategic decision-making and business performance
Partner closely with FP&A, Finance, and operational leaders to evaluate financial results, risks, and opportunities
Support executive-level initiatives related to growth, integration, and organizational alignment
Drive continuous improvement of accounting processes, systems, and workflows to enhance efficiency, scalability, and accuracy
Lead efforts to standardize processes across a multi-location, multi-entity structure
Leverage automation and system capabilities to strengthen financial operations

Benefits

Incentive opportunities
Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a fully vested matching contribution the first year in addition to quarterly contributions and annual discretionary contribution
Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision and disability – up to 26 weeks short-term disability and long-term disability) & life insurance benefits for you and your dependents
21 days of vacation immediately available (prorated in the first year)
Up to 6 paid holidays depending on the month of hire
Company Car, phone and fuel card are provided for field-based positions
Annual Ace Cares Week
20 hours off work per year to volunteer at an organization of your choice
Opportunities to help Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Ace Helpful Fund through the Ace Foundation
On-site classes, facilitator-led courses, and a generous tuition assistance program
Frequent campus events like Employee Appreciation Week, vendor demos, cookouts, and merchandise sales
Services such as mobile spas, auto maintenance, car wash and detailing, dry cleaning, dentists, eye doctors, flu shots, recycling and more!
Employee discounts on Ace merchandise, travel, fitness, computers and thousands more
Birth/Adoption bonding paid time off
Adoption cost reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – access to free visits to therapists and lawyers, guidance on financial matters, elder and childcare, and assistance with tickets to entertainment events
Identity theft protection