Controller & Business Partner

Controller & Business Partner

Reporting to the Group Finance Director, the role has two primary objectives. First, to lead, develop, and mentor the accounting team, building a cohesive, high-performing department that delivers exceptional service to internal and external stakeholders, while developing and enforcing policies and procedures related to internal controls and accounting standards. Second, to act as a strategic business partner to the CEO and senior management team of Quarto Publishing Group USA by providing financial leadership, delivering accurate and timely financial information, and supporting the division’s mission and strategic objectives.

Key Results Areas

A. Management 

• Ensure efficient department operations with minimal turnover. 
• Evaluate staff performance and conduct timely reviews. 
• Provide vision, motivation, and foster team building within the department. 
• Assess staffing needs to maintain productivity and achieve departmental goals.

B. Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Maintain strong internal controls and accounting disciplines, including reconciliations and reserve analysis.
• Research and implement relevant industry accounting standards; ensure compliance with GAAP.
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements, including P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, and key performance indicators.

C. Financial Policies and Procedures

• Enforce standards for expense approvals, asset capitalization, T&E, risk management, record retention, and contract management.
• Monitor and accurately calculate royalty obligations; ensure timely payments per contractual terms.
• Maintain compliance with 1099 reporting and W9 documentation.

D. Business Partnering & Commercial Support

• Act as a trusted advisor to U.S. leadership and publishing teams.
• Deliver detailed financial analysis to support informed decision-making.
• Develop and maintain KPIs, providing actionable insights to drive performance.

E. Budgeting, Forecasting & Reporting

• Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Conduct variance analysis and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Build financial models and enhance reporting tools for greater efficiency.

F. Collaboration & External Relations

• Maintain strong relationships with external auditors; ensure compliance with federal and state tax regulations.
• Oversee implementation and updates of the general ledger system.
• Work with the Group Finance Director to address multi-state sales tax nexus issues and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with vendors on reporting requirements, credit terms, receivables management, and cash application.
• Coordinate with UK accounting teams for accurate intercompany reconciliations.
• Respond to inquiries and provide information to Quarto Corporate as needed.
• Manage annual insurance renewals.

Position Specifications

Required Skills & Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail; highly organized and capable of managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proactive, self-starter with a focus on process improvement and analytical opportunities.
• Proven leadership experience managing accounting teams and fostering cross-training and collaboration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and accounting software packages.

Desired Skills

• Advanced analytical skills, including financial modeling and decision-making tools.
• Experience with Microsoft GP and reporting software.

Education and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• Minimum 10 years of accounting experience, including at least 5 years managing a team responsible for AR, AP, inventory management, income statement preparation, cash flow projection, cash management, job costing, royalty accounting, and variance analysis.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP.

Preferred:

• Experience in book publishing, including royalty accounting, multi-location inventory management, and foreign billing.
• Experience supporting teams across multiple office locations.

QuartoUS is an equal opportunity employer; M/F/D/V are encouraged to apply. Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Commuter Benefits & generous paid time off.

All applicants should be authorized to work in the United States. Quarto does not offer sponsorships.