Assistant Controller/Director of Inventory Accounting

Overview

This newly established leadership position will oversee inventory accounting and financial reporting within a publicly traded apparel company known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Reporting directly to senior finance leadership, the role demands a seasoned CPA with deep expertise in inventory valuation, cost accounting, and SEC-compliant reporting. Located in Southern California with a hybrid work schedule, this role offers broad influence over the accounting function during a pivotal phase of operational and financial maturity.

Title: Assistant Controller/Director of Inventory Accounting
Industry: Sustainable Fashion Apparel
Location: Greater Los Angeles

Responsibilities

• Manage global inventory valuation processes, including raw materials, work-in-progress, finished goods, and in-transit stock, ensuring accurate landed cost capitalization across multiple countries.
• Oversee and refine standard costing methods, bill of materials governance, and cost integrity to provide transparent gross margin and variance reporting for leadership.
• Lead month-end and year-end close activities, delivering timely financial statements, balance sheet reconciliations, and detailed management reports aligned with US GAAP and SEC requirements.
• Develop and maintain robust internal controls and SOX compliance frameworks, supporting external audits and documenting complex accounting policies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for ERP systems, particularly NetSuite, to optimize financial close processes and enhance executive-level KPI dashboards.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with FP&A, supply chain, production, and distribution teams to align financial strategies with operational goals and support new market expansions.
• Lead, mentor, and grow the accounting team, fostering a high-performing culture that scales with the company’s evolving business needs.

Qualifications

• Must-Have:
  • CPA certification with 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 4 years in senior leadership roles.
  • Proven background in public accounting or private industry with exposure to publicly traded company reporting, SEC filings, and SOX compliance.
  • Extensive expertise in inventory and cost accounting within retail, apparel, or consumer packaged goods sectors, managing complex multi-entity and multi-currency environments.
  • Advanced proficiency with ERP systems, especially NetSuite, and strong Excel skills for financial modeling and data analysis.
  • Demonstrated success leading and developing accounting teams, with the ability to influence cross-functional partners and senior executives.
• Nice-to-Have:
  • MBA or advanced degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
  • Experience supporting or leading financial reporting in a high-SKU, international manufacturing or e-commerce environment.
  • Familiarity with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting considerations within the fashion or retail industry.