Financial Controller / Accounting Director

dfsventure•Los Angeles, CA

3d•$140,000 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Controller / Accounting Director will serve as the senior finance leader for the California airport retail and distribution operations, overseeing accounting, financial reporting, operational finance processes, internal controls, and team leadership across multiple legal entities. This role operates within a complex, high-volume airport retail and distribution environment consisting of duty free and luxury retail operations, a distribution and warehouse facility, and multiple affiliated entities. The position requires a highly hands-on “player-coach” leader capable of balancing strategic oversight with day-to-day accounting execution and operational coordination. The Controller will report jointly to the VP of Airport Operations and the CFO and will supervise the local finance and accounting team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
7–12+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience
English fluency required

Nice To Haves

CPA or equivalent certification preferred but not mandatory
Prior audit experience is a plus
Spanish and/or Mandarin considered an advantage
Strong experience within retail, luxury retail, travel retail, airport retail, distribution, or multi-entity operational environments
Proven experience leading accounting operations across multiple legal entities
Strong operational accounting and financial reporting background
Prior experience managing small but highly functional finance teams
Comfortable operating in fast-paced and evolving environments
Strong understanding of ERP systems, financial process ownership, and reporting structures
Preferred experience with: SAP Business One, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), POS-integrated accounting environments, Power BI or operational reporting platforms, Multi-entity accounting structures, IFRS and/or US GAAP environments
Hands-on and operationally engaged
Detail-oriented with strong process discipline
Strong communicator across operational and executive teams
Able to balance strategic priorities with execution
Comfortable working cross-functionally within international organizations

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee month-end and year-end financial close processes across multiple California operating entities
Review, reconcile, and validate financial statements and supporting schedules
Ensure accuracy of general ledger activity, accruals, amortization, fixed assets, lease accounting, and intercompany balances
Validate IFRS lease accounting calculations and support dual IFRS/US GAAP reporting requirements where applicable
Oversee accounting for operational expenses, entity cross-charges, and intercompany allocations
Ensure proper accounting treatment and compliance with company policies and reporting standards
Coordinate closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Warehouse, HR, Compliance, Loss Prevention, and HQ Finance teams
Support operational management through financial analysis, reporting validation, and process oversight
Maintain strong ownership of accounting processes within ERP and reporting systems
Support implementation, integration, and continuous improvement of financial and operational systems
Maintain strong internal accounting controls and process discipline
Support external audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting processes
Coordinate with auditors, tax advisors, and internal stakeholders
Ensure timely reconciliation of bank accounts, intercompany balances, and entity-level reporting
Lead, mentor, and organize a small but high-impact accounting and finance team
Establish clear processes, accountability, and operational discipline
Develop team capabilities and support succession planning and internal growth