Controller

Wow Bao•Chicago, IL

1d•$120,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Wow Bao is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead accounting, financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, and compliance for its fast-growing, multi-channel CPG and food manufacturing business. The role owns the integrity of the books and a disciplined close, protects liquidity and working capital, and delivers accurate, timely reporting. The Controller partners with operations and commercial leaders on inventory, cost accounting, and trade spend, and supports forecasting, budgeting, and performance reporting across business channels. Deep CPG and/or food manufacturing experience is essential. This position reports directly to the VP of Finance. Wow Bao is an omni-channel Asian food brand operating across restaurants, airports, virtual kitchens, universities, foodservice, retail, and corporate operations. The company describes itself as a fast-growing brand focused on innovation, growth, and high-quality ingredients, and fosters a culture of caring, kindness, empathy, respect, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
CPA required.
5 to 7 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, with the majority in accounting and 2 to 3 years as a Controller.
At least 2 years of accounting experience in CPG, food and beverage, manufacturing, and/or multi-unit retail.
Demonstrated ownership of the full accounting cycle and monthly close, including general ledger, reconciliations, and issuance of accurate financial statements.
Hands-on experience with cash management and working capital, including cash forecasting and oversight of AP/AR processes.
Experience establishing or maintaining internal controls and leading the external audit process from the company side.
Experience with inventory accounting and cost accounting in a manufacturing or CPG environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with large retail partners such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Kroger, or regional grocery chains.
Advanced proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.
Experience managing retail deductions, trade spend, rebates, chargebacks, and gross-to-net revenue accounting.

Responsibilities

Own the full accounting cycle and general ledger, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and flux analysis.
Lead the monthly close process and maintain a close calendar for timely financial statements.
Prepare and review GAAP financial statements and management reporting packages.
Coordinate the annual external audit, including PBC schedules, auditor requests, and remediation of findings.
Coordinate tax compliance and filings with external advisors.
Establish and maintain documented internal controls appropriate to the company’s size.
Own cash management, including bank reconciliations, payment controls, and short-term cash visibility.
Maintain a rolling cash forecast and partner with leadership on liquidity and working-capital priorities.
Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable processes, including payment runs, collections, and credit and collections risk.
Monitor working-capital drivers, including receivables, inventory, and payables.
Own inventory accounting, valuation, reserves, and obsolescence analysis across raw materials, work in progress, and finished goods.
Lead cost accounting and margin analysis; partner with operations to understand and improve manufacturing and distribution costs.
Partner with the plant accountant and operations leadership on inventory accuracy, counts, cost variances, and plant reporting.
Support pricing and margin decisions with cost and channel economics in partnership with commercial and operations leaders.
Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team; set goals, close ownership, and coverage plans.
Improve systems and processes, including close checklists and inventory and cost workflows, to increase accuracy, speed, and control.
Foster care, accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional partnership.
Oversee accounting and reporting for retailer discounts, promotional allowances, rebates, scan-downs, chargebacks, slotting, co-op, and related trade programs.
Review retailer deductions, claims, and payment discrepancies, and drive root-cause resolution with commercial teams and customers as needed.
Maintain controls around customer contracts, pricing agreements, and promotional funding commitments.
Improve visibility and forecasting of trade investment and net revenue by channel and customer.
Lead the annual operating budget and ongoing forecasting in partnership with the VP of Finance.
Prepare monthly financial reporting packages for the Board of Directors and investors, including performance versus plan, cash, and key risks and opportunities.
Prepare regular management reporting, such as weekly flash and operational summaries, across business channels.
Build and maintain financial models and analyses to evaluate initiatives, including product launches and supply chain or cost actions.
Maintain strong working relationships with banking partners, auditors, and other external advisors.
Perform other duties as assigned.