The Controller provides oversight, management, and ultimate accountability for the Company’s accounting function. This role ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, maintains a rigorous internal control environment, and translates financial data into actionable business insights.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this role is responsible for managing key financial operations, overseeing the work of the Accounting Specialist, and supporting the monthly close, financial reporting, tax compliance, and audit processes. The position requires a balance of hands-on accounting expertise, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and cross-functional collaboration and contributes to CandleScience’s overall goals by maintaining accurate financial information and improving the efficiency of financial processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Manages the general ledger and month-end close process, including journal entries, accruals, and adjustments- ensuring the final delivery of timely, accurate financial reporting
• Manages accounting for inventory, cost of goods sold, and product cost data
• Establishes, implements, and enforces corporate accounting policies, internal controls, and standard operating procedures to mitigate operational and financial risks
• Serves as the primary liaison for annual audits
• Oversees Accounts Payable processes and ensures timely and accurate transactions and vendor communications
• Reconciles Accounts Receivable
• Calculates capitalized software costs
• Manages and reconciles prepaid expenses
• Reviews and corrects general ledger expense coding as needed
• Administers company credit cards and monitors spending
• Maintains daily cash forecasts and supports monthly cash reconciliations
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports
• Ensures compliance with sales tax, franchise tax, and corporate income tax filings
• Oversees and reviews the work of the Accounting Specialist
• Assists with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
• Conducts product margin reviews and collaborates on pricing decisions
• Collaborates cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, E-Commerce, and other teams to ensure data accuracy and alignment
• Provides financial insights and ad hoc reporting to leadership
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor

Required Skills / Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 5 to 7+ years of progressive accounting experience
• CPA strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of GAAP and accounting best practices
• Experience with inventory accounting and a manufacturing environment strongly preferred
• Proficiency with accounting systems, such as Sage Intacct, CashFlow360/Bill.com, or similar platforms
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with financial reporting tools
• Knowledge of sales tax regulations for e-commerce companies preferred
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities independently and meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and departments

Work Environment

This role is based in Durham, NC and is offered in a hybrid format. Team members in this role are required to work onsite at the Durham office three days per week, Tuesday through Thursday.

The position requires significant time spent performing desk and computer work, reviewing financial information, and participating in meetings and cross-functional collaboration. The role regularly involves communication through in-person meetings, video calls, and other digital platforms.  The role may require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks such as climbing or using a ladder as needed.

To Apply: Please submit your resume along with a Cover Letter telling us why you would be a good fit for this position. 

Benefits:

Big company benefits with small company culture! We provide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with low deductibles. All employees receive employer match for retirement contributions of up to 3% of annual earnings. We have liberal vacation policies and offer additional benefits including technology stipends, gym memberships, and company-paid life insurance.

• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off (Vacation & Sick)
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance

About Us:

CandleScience develops and sells candle and soap making supplies. Our customers vary in size from candle and soap entrepreneurs to seasonal hobbyists. We began in 2003 as a two-person startup, and have become the market leader in the industry.

We work hard to develop natural and safe products that push the boundaries of candle and soap making. Our success is a result of our focus on web development, product development, and operations.

For More About Us:

www.candlescience.com/about

Igniting Growth with CandleScience | https://partners.wsj.com/ups/igniting-growth-candl...

First Candles, Now Soap. Durham’s CandleScience Expands in DIY Market | https://wraltechwire.com/2016/06/02/durham-candles...

CandleScience and the Science of Candle Making | https://www.avery.com/blog/customer-spotlight-candlescience/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/candlescience

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Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/candlescience