Controller, Navigator Wine Collection

Navigator Wine Collection | Napa, California | Full time, Exempt
Reports to:Chief Executive Officer
Compensation:$90,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, plus benefits.
Benefits:
Medical and dental coverage at no cost to the employee
an HSA with employer contributions
optional vision, accident, critical illness, and other supplemental plans
Employees become eligible for the 401(k) after three months, with a company match of 50% of employee contributions up to 6% of compensation.
Schedule:On-site during a 90-day training period, with a hybrid schedule thereafter to be determined with management.
About NavigatorNavigator Wine Collection is an independent wine producer based in South Napa, with 41 brands and several well-known private labels, producing approximately one million cases annually. We partner with some of the world’s leading retailers to develop and deliver successful wine programs across domestic and international markets.
We are a small but strong team with a global reach. Our people take ownership, work across departments, and make a direct contribution to the business. We are adding a hands‑on, hybrid Controller role to our accounting and data team. We are looking for someone who combines strong accounting experience with systems knowledge, analytical ability, and a willingness to contribute across the business, handling both traditional Controller responsibilities and data‑related tasks.
Position SummaryReporting directly to the CEO, the Controller will lead financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and business analysis. You will work closely with our accounting manager, who manages daily accounting, accounts receivable, and accounts payable, and partner with colleagues across production, purchasing, sales, and operations.
This role requires someone who understands both the numbers and the business behind them. You will own the monthly close, deliver accurate financial statements, strengthen wine production costing, and use data to explain performance and support decisions on margins, inventory, customer profitability, and cash flow.
The ideal candidate has personally built reports and analyzed complex data, with strong Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central experience. You understand how inventory, production, purchasing, and sales flow through the system and affect financial results. You are comfortable taking responsibility, solving problems, and moving between detailed accounting work and broader business analysis.
Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Reporting and Close
Own the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close, including journal entries, accruals, prepaids, and supporting schedules.
Prepare accurate financial statements and management reports with clear explanations of variances and trends.
Review and complete bank, intercompany, and balance sheet reconciliations.
Review general ledger activity for accuracy, completeness, and timely posting.
Coordinate required reporting, intercompany activity, and data alignment with affiliated finance teams and outside advisors.
Maintain effective accounting procedures and internal controls.
Business Analysis and Annual Planning
Lead the annual budget, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
Compare actual results against plan, explain significant variances, and recommend action.
Analyze revenue, margins, production costs, inventory, and customer profitability.
Build and maintain reports using Business Central, the data warehouse, Excel, and other reporting tools.
Support pricing, purchasing, and operating decisions with clear, practical analysis.
Identify financial risks and opportunities and communicate findings directly to the CEO and leadership team.
Inventory and Wine Production Costing
Maintain accurate costing for bulk wine, dry goods, bottling, and finished goods inventory.
Reconcile inventory across production partners, bonded facilities, and warehouse locations.
Review production, storage, and freight charges for accuracy and proper allocation.
Reconcile inventory and production records to the general ledger and investigate discrepancies.
Ensure cost of goods sold accurately reflects underlying product costs.
Business Central and Process Improvement
Serve as the lead accounting resource for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Understand and review how inventory, production, purchasing, and sales transactions affect financial reporting.
Improve data accuracy, reporting, and workflows across departments.
Personally develop reports and analyses that make business performance easier to understand.
Identify opportunities for automation and coordinate with technical resources on more substantial systems or data warehouse development.
Document procedures and support system changes and testing.
Excise, Compliance, and Accounting Support
Oversee monthly federal and state excise tax filings, payments, and supporting reconciliations in coordination with the compliance team and outside advisors.
Track filing deadlines and ensure required work is completed accurately and on time.
Coordinate with the outside CPA and support annual reviews, audits, and tax preparation.
Work with the accounting manager to review AR and AP activity, resolve discrepancies, and address escalated issues.
Provide financial analysis and support across sales, supply chain, production, and operations.
Required Qualifications
At least five years of progressive accounting experience, including responsibility for financial reporting and the monthly close.
Wine industry accounting experience, including inventory and production costing.
Strong hands‑on experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Demonstrated experience personally building financial reports and analyzing data from multiple sources.
Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and large data sets.
Working knowledge of GAAP, inventory accounting, and internal controls.
Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow analysis.
Ability to work independently, manage competing deadlines, and follow through.
Clear communication skills and a collaborative approach across departments.
Preferred
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
Experience with Power BI and familiarity with SQL.
Familiarity with TTB and state excise tax reporting, including CBMA credits.
Experience with intercompany accounting and multi-entity reporting.
Experience improving accounting processes or implementing financial systems.
This position is based in our South Napa office, with a generally consistent weekday schedule and no regular travel expected. The role is primarily office-based and may occasionally require lifting up to 20 pounds.
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