Assistant Controller in Perry, Florida at Big Top Manufacturing, LLC

For over four decades, Big Top has manufactured and installed high-performance fabric structures in the United States, delivering American-made quality, innovation, and reliability. We don’t just build shelters—we engineer solutions that optimize operations, safeguard assets, and provide a competitive edge for companies worldwide. With the support and financial backing of Altamont Capital Partners, we are in an exciting phase of growth, expansion, and innovation.

Title: Assistant Controller

Job Summary: The Assistant Controller will oversee daily accounting operations and support the month-end close and financial reporting process for Big Top Manufacturing. This role ensures accurate and timely financial information across the general ledger, inventory, and project accounting while helping refine policies, improve controls, and streamline processes as the company scales. The Assistant Controller partners closely with the Controller and department leaders to strengthen the connection between finance and operations. This position reports to the CFO and is located on-site in our Perry, Florida office.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Provides leadership and direction to members of the accounting team, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and professional growth within the department.

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Month-End Close & Reporting

• Manage and participate in the month-end and year-end close process, including journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations.
• Prepare and review financial statements, variance analyses, and supporting schedules.
• Support the Controller in developing management reports and dashboards for leadership review.
• Ensure accurate cutoff of revenue and expenses, including prepaids, accruals, and job cost timing.
• Maintain full ownership of the general ledger, ensuring all subledgers (AP, AR, inventory, payroll, fixed assets) reconcile and post accurately to the GL each period.
  
  

AP, AR, and Treasury Management

• Oversee AP and AR processing, ensuring accuracy, coding integrity, and alignment with GAAP.
• Support weekly cash forecasting and working capital management (DSO, DPO, inventory turns).
• Strengthen internal cash controls, payment workflows, and vendor/customer billing procedures.
  
  

Inventory & Cost Accounting

• Partner with operations to reconcile physical counts, analyze material flows, and validate cost of goods sold.
• Investigate inventory anomalies and ensure consistent costing and job-tracking methods across departments.
• Support gross margin analysis and cost allocation methodologies for production and installation projects.
  
  

Compliance & Audit

• Lead and project manage the annual external audit process, serving as the primary liaison with auditors and internal stakeholders to ensure timely completion and clear communication of deliverables.
• Maintain reconciliations, schedules, and supporting documentation for audits and tax filings.
• Support development, implementation, and enforcement of accounting policies and internal controls.
• Assist with statutory and regulatory compliance activities (e.g., state registrations, good standing certificates) and other related filings.

Process Improvement & Projects

• Identify and implement process enhancements to improve accuracy and efficiency of financial operations.
• Participate in ERP system optimization, cost accounting refinement, and reporting automation.
• Assist in capital expenditure tracking, budgeting, and ad hoc financial projects as needed.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Experience working with an ERP/MRP system required.
• Strong analytical skills and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong understanding of GL structure, subledger integration, and reconciliation processes within an ERP environment.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and month-end close best practices.
• Proven ability to design, document, and improve accounting processes.
• High attention to detail with the ability to communicate findings clearly to both accounting and non-accounting audiences.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field required; MBA/CMA a plus.
• 6+ years progressive accounting experience, ideally in manufacturing, job-cost, or project-based environments.
• Prior experience supporting or leading financial reporting and audit preparation.
• Experience working with inventory, job costing, and margin analysis preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to accurately exchange information with customers, co-workers, management, and vendors.
• Occasionally moves files and boxes of records weighing up to 20 lbs.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office machinery, such as copiers, printers, and telephones.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for 90% of the time.

At Big Top, our actions are guided by a strong set of core values; a pursuit of excellence, a commitment to teamwork, a sense of ownership and a focus on being solution-oriented. We believe each team member plays an important role in helping us achieve our shared goals and we are continuously striving to build a workplace where employees are empowered to contribute in new ways.

After 60 days, employees are provided with health, dental and vision insurance at no cost – the premiums are 100% employer-paid! Other benefits include 401(k) with company match, free short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and an employee assistance program. We also offer a generous vacation allowance to support work-life balance and employee wellbeing.

Big Top does not discriminate based upon race, religion, gender, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. We comply with all federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our Human Resources department.

Drug-Free Workplace.

Big Top is headquartered in Perry, Florida, about 50 miles outside of Tallahassee. Located along Florida's Nature Coast, Perry offers an abundance of outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, and boating. Learn more about Perry by visiting https://www.visitflorida.com/places-to-go/north-central/perry/.