Controller

About the job

Join a respected and growing music retail organization that has built a strong reputation serving musicians, educators, and music enthusiasts across multiple locations. As the company continues to expand, including through strategic acquisitions, they are seeking an experienced Controller to provide financial leadership, strengthen accounting operations, and partner closely with executive leadership. This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on finance leader looking to make a meaningful impact while positioning themselves to step into a CFO role over the next 2-3 years.

Job Description

The Controller will lead all accounting and financial reporting activities for a multi-location music retail business. This individual will be a key member of a collaborative leadership team, providing both strategic insight and hands-on leadership across accounting operations. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical accounting expertise, demonstrated leadership experience, and the ability to scale financial processes to support continued organic growth and future acquisitions. This role offers a clear succession path to CFO for the right individual

Worksite Locatio

n: Bismarck, ND \| Onsite Leadership Opportunity

Salary

: $140,000 - $180,000 base salary plus bonus opportunity (DOE)

Benefits

: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, retirement savings plan with company match, and additional employee benefit offerings.

Roles \& Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all accounting functions, including general ledger, month-end close, financial reporting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and treasury activities.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Develop and maintain effective internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures.
• Partner with executive leadership on budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Provide financial analysis and business insights to support profitability and operational decision-making.
• Lead annual audit, tax, and compliance activities while managing relationships with external service providers.
• Evaluate, improve, and scale accounting systems and processes to support future growth
• Support financial due diligence, integration planning, and reporting related to acquisitions.
• Develop and mentor accounting staff while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to ownership and the leadership team on financial and operational matters. All other duties as assigned.

Required Skills \& Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA designation strongly preferred.
• 10\+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including significant leadership responsibilities.
• Previous Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting leadership experience.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and expertise with GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Experience within retail, multi-location, distribution, inventory-based, or consumer products environments preferred.
• Proven ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution.
• Strong business partnering, communication, and relationship-building skills. Demonstrated leadership maturity and executive presence with the potential to advance into a CFO role

About V

ersiqueVersique: /ver-seek/ adj. being both versatile and unique; n. a high-performance recruiting firm specializing in executive leadership search, direct hire, and interim hiring sol

utions.Versique Executive, Professional, \& Interim Recruiting is a locally owned and operated hiring and placement firm based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. With specialized practice areas across our three divisions, Versique delivers tailored expertise to a wide range of industries. What sets us apart is our team of recruiters, seasoned professionals who have worked in the very fields they now hire for, providing unmatched industry insight and connections. We believe people are more than resumes. They are transformative, unlocking the potential for organizational growth and success. Versique is proud to be an award-winning company, earning recognition on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies and the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal's Fast 50 list. We are also consistently recognized as a Star Tribune Top Workplace.Let's find your people, to

gether. Versique is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.