Assistant Controller

Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.

At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis USA is currently hiring an Assistant Controller based in Buffalo, NY.

The Assistant Logistics Controller reports to the Logistics Controller. The position is accountable for assisting the logistics accounting department. Ensures that the entries recorded in the general ledger comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Supports the monthly closing process, various accounting reports, financial statements and analyses and other ad hoc reporting as necessary. Assist with the interim and year-end audit and the annual logistics departments’ budget process. Prepares monthly variance explanations and account reconciliations. Assist in the review of the logistics accounting department workflow, systems, record keeping and compliance requirements.

From your STORY to yours

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Monthly closing process – has an active role in the timely completion of the month end close process, including direct responsibilities for accounts/ analyses and oversight of others
• Maintenance of the general ledger for the logistics department
• Preparation of monthly and YTD internal financial statements
• Preparation and review of key account reconciliations
• Logistics department budget and expense analysis reporting; prepare and manage specific areas of the annual budget process
• Ensure adherence to the Company’s policies and procedures related to internal financial controls
• Audits – interim and year-end – will assist in the required audits, including coordination among departments. Will have direct interaction with both internal and external auditors
• Behave in a professional manner that always represents the Company in the highest ethical standard
• Provide support on other projects as needed, and accomplish all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

The incumbent is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of logistic accounting team members in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Travel may be required, however infrequent.
• Extended hours may be necessary depending on the project needs.
• To fulfill these responsibilities, tools such as a computer, phone or, and / or allowance(s) may be provided.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties and responsibilities.
• This position requires physical presence in the office, in accordance with the guidelines of the Hybrid Work Policy.
• Demonstrate commitment to a safe working environment that promotes the health and well-being of all employees and that will further contribute to the Company’s overall performance and success.
  
  

Requirements

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree is favored. Associate’s degree is required.
• Majors in accounting, finance, or supply chain are preferred.
  
  

Experience

• 4+ years accounting or financial analysis experience is required, preferably within a manufacturing or logistics environment.
  
  

Certifications and specific knowledge

• The following CPA or CMA certifications are preferred but not required for this role.
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and ERP systems (such as SAP) is required for successful performance in this position.
  
  

Competencies

• Financial Accuracy: Exceptional ability to maintain the general ledger and prepare internal financial statements with zero margin for error.
• Deadline Orientation: A disciplined approach to the timely completion of the monthly closing process and year-end audit requirements.
• Analytical Reasoning: Skill in preparing variance explanations and account reconciliations to identify discrepancies between actual spend and budget.
• Ethical Integrity: A commitment to behaving in a professional manner that always represents the company in the highest ethical standard.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The ability to coordinate effectively among different departments to support internal and external audits.
  
  

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.