Financial Controller

Bikes Online•San Clemente, CA

1d•$110,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Controller (USA) leads financial control, reporting, and compliance for Bikes Online Inc., the US business of BikesOnline, an Australian-founded direct-to-consumer bicycle retailer. The US operation turns over approximately US$20 million annually and follows a 30 June financial year aligned with its Australian parent. The Controller reviews, signs off, and locks the monthly close; approves payroll and payments; oversees US tax and compliance; and serves as finance partner to the US COO and executive team. The role leads a two-person finance team in Mexico that handles day-to-day accounting and prepares the month-end close. This part-time position is 30 hours per week, with workload weighted toward month-end close and the annual audit. Based in commuting distance of San Clemente, the role includes on-site US finance tasks such as handling mail, check deposits, notarized documents, and bank visits. The Controller partners with teams across the business to improve processes, support growth, and make financial information useful to operational decision-making.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance from an accredited college or university.
US CPA accreditation.
10+ years of experience in commercial and public accounting, including controller-level roles.
Experience with ecommerce or direct-to-consumer businesses and inventory accounting.
US payroll compliance experience and working knowledge of multi-state sales tax.
Experience with foreign-owned US subsidiaries, intercompany accounting, and transfer pricing documentation.
Experience with US banking processes and lender reporting.
Experience leading and reviewing remote or offshore accounting teams.
Experience partnering with operations teams on inventory controls.
Xero experience.
Strong financial modeling and spreadsheet skills.
Clear communication skills and the ability to constructively challenge an operating plan.
Organized, deadline-driven, and comfortable acting as payment and payroll approver.
Confidence using AI and automation tools.
Must be within commuting distance of San Clemente.

Nice To Haves

Shopify experience.
Brightpearl experience.

Responsibilities

Review the month-end close between business days 3 and 6, including reconciliations, accruals, inventory, revenue cut-off, and manual journals.
Sign off and lock each accounting period in Xero by business day 6.
Set and enforce accounting policies, the month-end close checklist, and a controls framework with clear separation of duties.
Own US GAAP technical accounting for inventory valuation, landed cost and inventory in transit; revenue recognition and cut-off; and ASC 842 lease accounting.
Approve weekly cash requests and payment batches, including dual approval above agreed thresholds.
Approve each payroll run before it is funded and ensure new or changed vendor bank details are independently verified before payment approval.
Review monthly management reports and variance commentary, and present results to the Co-CEO and US COO.
Lead the annual budget and quarterly re-forecasts, build financial models, establish and track KPIs, and provide an independent finance perspective on operating plans and proposed initiatives.
Own the rolling cash forecast and daily cash position, including inventory financing and supplier payment schedules.
Manage US banking relationships and the revolving credit facility, including covenant testing and lender reporting; advise on bank account structure, approval workflows, and payment controls.
Oversee external sales tax consultancy work and review its reporting and identified exposures.
Coordinate federal and state income tax returns, estimates, extensions, and notices with the outside CPA firm, and review the tax provision.
Oversee payroll tax, benefits and 401(k) remittances, and year-end W-2s and 1099s.
Oversee customs duty reporting and open refund claims with the customs broker; maintain the insurance coverage register and renewal calendar.
Serve as the external auditor’s primary contact for the US entity, managing the PBC list, schedules, proposed adjustments, and management representations.
Sign off monthly intercompany reconciliations with the Australian parent and work with group tax advisers to document intercompany agreements, including license fees and recharges.
Manage and develop the Senior Accountant and Bookkeeper, and run the US close using the group checklist with assigned preparers, reviewers, backups, due dates, and time estimates.
Work with the Country Controller (AU) on shared processes, automation, and group reporting standards.
Partner with Operations and warehouse team members on inventory controls, stock accuracy, write-offs, and aged stock; explain the impact of inventory decisions on margin, cash, and working capital.
Lead improvements in reporting, recurring payments, cost controls, and payment-processor payout automation.
Manage finance vendors and contracts, including payroll, sales tax, outside CPA, and banking providers.
Handle US finance matters requiring on-site attention, including mail, check deposits, notarized documents, and bank visits.
Use AI and automation to improve efficiency and accuracy across finance and operations in accordance with the company’s Responsible AI policy.
Embrace the company values: Delight the Customer; Focus on the Process; Take responsibility; Learn Grow and Develop; and One Team Together.