Controller – Wholesale Footwear & Fashion

Azalea Wang is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead accounting and finance operations for our fast-growing wholesale footwear and fashion business. This role is ideal for someone with strong experience in wholesale apparel, footwear, retail, inventory accounting, and high-volume operations.

We partner with major national retailers including Urban Outfitters and Von Maur and operate in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where ownership and problem-solving are critical.

This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for the full accounting cycle, financial reporting, inventory accounting, AR/AP operations, process improvements, and cross-functional financial support.

The Position: Controller (Wholesale Footwear & Fashion)
Location: Chicago, IL - Onsite

Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Month-End Close

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process

• Prepare financial statements, reconciliations, variance analysis, and reporting

• Maintain general ledger accuracy and ensure audit-ready financials

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning

Wholesale AR/AP & Vendor Management

• Manage wholesale accounts receivable, retailer deductions, chargebacks, and remittance reconciliation

• Oversee accounts payable, vendor reconciliations, and payment processing

• Partner with sales, operations, and EDI teams to resolve billing and compliance issues

• Manage domestic and international vendor relationships

Inventory & Cost Accounting

• Oversee inventory accounting, reconciliations, reserves, and COGS reporting

• Partner with merchandising and operations on costing and inventory controls

• Support physical inventory counts and inventory analysis

Systems & Process Improvement

• Serve as accounting lead for NetSuite ERP and financial reporting workflows

• Improve accounting processes, controls, automation, and reporting efficiency

• Support system implementations and integrations as needed

Leadership

• Manage and mentor accounting team members

• Partner cross-functionally with leadership, sales, merchandising, logistics, and operations

• Support audits, strategic initiatives, and business decision-making

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

• CPA preferred

• 7+ years of accounting experience in wholesale apparel, footwear, fashion, retail, or consumer goods

• Strong experience with:

  • Month-end close

  • Inventory accounting & cost accounting

  • Wholesale AR/AP

  • Retail deductions & chargebacks

  • Financial reporting & reconciliations

  • ERP systems (NetSuite preferred)

• Advanced Excel skills

• Experience managing teams in fast-paced, high-volume environment

We are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position (Pay Range $130,000 - $160,000) will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.

Job Type: Full-Time