Controller

Position: Controller

Location: Livermore, CA

Industry: Forklift, Construction, and Warehouse Equipment Retail and Service

Company Size: Medium (Annual Revenue: ~$150M)

Employment Type: Full-Time, on site

Reports To: CEO

Team Size: 4 Direct Reports. Team total is 10.

Position Summary:

Total Industries is seeking a strategic, hands-on, detail-oriented Financial Controller to lead the financial operations of a multi-location forklift and trucking equipment retail and service company. This is a family founded and run business with a great family dynamic and long-time employees. This role is ideal for a seasoned finance professional with experience in high-volume transactional environments, inventory-heavy operations, and service-based revenue streams.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.

• Manage financial reporting for multiple locations across California.

• Manage cash flow and working capital to ensure adequate liquidity for current and future operations.

• Lead internal and external audits and ensure regulatory compliance.

• Lead sales tax and regulatory reporting.

Accounting Operations

• Supervise AP, AR, payroll, and general ledger functions.

• Oversee cost accounting, inventory valuation, and revenue recognition for both wholesale and service divisions.

• Implement and maintain robust internal controls and accounting policies.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Develop and manage annual budgets and rolling forecasts.

• Provide variance analysis and financial insights to support operational and strategic decisions.

Systems & Process Optimization

• Enhance ERP systems and financial tools to support high transaction volumes and inventory tracking.

• Drive automation and process improvements across finance functions.

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with operations, sales, and service teams to align financial goals with business strategy.

• Support capital investment decisions and evaluate ROI on major equipment purchases and service expansions.

• Proven dynamic leadership and ability to motivate a passionate team.

• Demonstrate our values in all aspects of leadership and day-to-day operations.

• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and developing accounting team members.

• Manage work process flows to ensure a balanced workload, adequate back up, and coverage.

• Maintain a team culture and cultivate effective workplace communication and transparency.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or MBA preferred).

• 7 years of progressive experience in accounting/finance, with at least 3 years in a Controller role.

• Experience in retail distribution, equipment sales, or service-based industries.

• Strong understanding of inventory management, cost accounting, and multi-location financial operations.

• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, Sage, or similar).

• Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills.

• Familiarity with California-specific tax and labor regulations.