Financial Controller

Bikes Online • San Clemente, CA

3d

About The Position

The Financial Controller (USA) leads financial control, reporting, and compliance for Bikes Online Inc., the US business of an Australian-founded direct-to-consumer bicycle retailer. The US operation turns over approximately US$20 million a year and is growing. Its 30 June financial year is aligned with its Australian parent. The Controller partners directly with the US COO and executive team and leads a two-person finance team in Mexico that prepares day-to-day accounting and the month-end close.

This part-time role is 30 hours per week, with work weighted toward the month-end close and annual audit. The Controller reviews, signs off, and locks the monthly close; approves payroll and payments; oversees US tax and compliance; and serves as the finance partner to US leadership. The position is required to be within commuting distance of San Clemente, California.

The role also leads budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, treasury and lender management, audit and intercompany processes, and ongoing improvements to finance systems and controls. It collaborates with the Australian parent, Operations, and Warehouse teams to support business growth and improve inventory controls, reporting, automation, and decision-making.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance from an accredited college or university.
• US CPA accreditation.
• 10 or more years of experience in commercial and public accounting, including controller-level roles.
• Experience with ecommerce or direct-to-consumer businesses and inventory accounting.
• Experience with US payroll compliance 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 and deadline-driven, and comfortable acting as a payment and payroll approver.
• Confident using AI and automation tools.
• 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, a month-end close checklist, and a controls framework with clear separation of duties.
• Own US GAAP technical accounting for inventory valuation, landed cost, inventory in transit, revenue recognition and cut-off, refunds and returns, and ASC 842 lease accounting.
• Approve weekly cash requests and payment batches, including dual approval above agreed thresholds.
• Approve payroll runs before funding 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 supporting pricing, inventory, and growth decisions.
• Set up and track finance, operations, and sales KPIs with the US COO, 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 account structure, approval workflows, and payment controls.
• Oversee the external sales tax consultancy and review its reporting and flagged exposures, including nexus, registrations, filings, and notices.
• 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.
• Keep insurance coverage records and the business-license renewal calendar current.
• Serve as the external auditor’s primary contact for the US entity, handling the PBC list, schedules, proposed adjustments, and management representations.
• Sign off monthly intercompany reconciliations with the Australian parent according to the shared invoice and reconciliation timetable.
• 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 a checklist that identifies a preparer, reviewer, backup, due date, and time estimate for each task.
• 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; help Operations leaders understand inventory’s effects on margin, cash, and working capital.
• Lead improvements in reporting, recurring payments, cost controls, and payout automation across payment processors.
• Manage finance vendors and contracts, including payroll, sales tax, outside CPA, and banking providers.
• Handle on-site US finance matters such as mail, check deposits, notarized documents, and bank visits.
• Use AI and automation to improve finance and operations efficiency and accuracy in line with the company’s Responsible AI policy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Senior