Controller

(This position is being recruited by SD Mayer on behalf of our client Gawfco Enterprises Inc. All applications will be reviewed and processed by our team, and qualified candidates will be connected directly with the hiring company for next steps.)

Gawfco Enterprises Inc., a fast-growing and dynamic company, is seeking a Controller who direct the financial operations of the company including budgeting, planning, investing and other financial matters, in addition to overseeing inter-departmental operations.

Founded in 1995 with a few fuel sites in Northern California, Gawfco has grown into a dynamic energy and retail group. Today, Gawfco represents decades of dedication to operational excellence, strategic partnerships, and continuous modernization.

With integrated fuel stations, convenience retail, car wash services, and a focus on clean, efficient, and reliable experiences, Gawfco remains committed to serving communities and supporting independent retailers across the West.

The Controller will lead accounting and financial operations for a privately held, multi‑entity organization with approximately $940M in annual revenue across Gawfco, Petro Mart, and California Fuel Supply. This role is highly analytical and acquisition‑focused, with significant responsibility for banking relationships, intercompany accounting, and financial reporting

This is a full-time in-office position, located in Lafayette, CA; five (5) days per week.

Managerial Responsibilities:

• Oversees core employees responsible for financial reporting, accounting, billing, collections, compliance, and operations.
• Implements internal control policies, procedures, and controls for all financial and activities.
• Oversees employee training programs and identifies training needs.
• Establishes quantitative and qualitative metrics, guidelines, and standards by which the company’s efficiency and effectiveness can be evaluated; identifies opportunities for improvement.
• Communicates and explains new directives, policies, or procedures to managers; for major changes, meets with corporate staff to explain changes, answer questions, and maintain morale.
• Leads coordination and integration of efforts among financial, operations, marketing, and IT divisions to produce smoother workflow and more cost-effective business processes.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provides comprehensive financial updates to senior management by evaluating, analyzing, and reporting appropriate data points.
• In conjunction with the CEO, establishes financial and operating benchmarks, budgets, program monitoring, and reporting standards on a monthly, and annual basis.
• Provides financial analysis with an emphasis on capital investments, pricing decisions, and contract negotiations. Oversees the preparation of periodic financial statements, activity reports, financial forecasts, and annual budgets.
• Guides company’s financial planning and budgeting decisions by applying company policies and procedures.
• Manages and monitor all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
• Reviews financial details from past, present, and forecasted operations; identifies development opportunities and improvements that can be made.
• Provides management with short- and long-term financial objectives and policies.
• Advises business units on and assists with implementation of accounting and budgeting policies.
• Confirms accuracy and oversees filing of quarterly and annual reports with Banks.
• Collaborates with external auditors and financial institution to provide information needed for the quarterly and annual reporting.
• Maintain knowledge of organizational procedures, federal and state regulations, and accounting standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Accounting: Own monthly close and financial reporting for seven non‑consolidated legal entities
• Finance: provide financial oversight and reporting of operating companies, real estate holdings, and investments. Including budget creation and providing projections.
• Treasury: manage banking relationships, lender reporting, and business lines of credit
• M&A: Lead financial analysis and diligence for 4–10 acquisitions annually, including cash flow, leverage, and risk assessment
• Technical: oversee complex intercompany transactions in a highly automated NetSuite environment
• Collaboration: partner with legal, lenders, and external auditors, and CPA firms
• Leadership: lead two Assistant Controllers, seven onshore accounts and three offshore AP accountants - totaling a team of 10

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in finance and accounting roles.
• Bachelor’s degree (BA) in Accounting, General Business, or Finance.
• Advanced qualifications such as a CPA or Master’s in Accountancy are an added advantage.
• Must have advanced NetSuite experience (required)
• Strong background in multi-entity accounting and M& A driven environments.
• Experience in retail, brick-and-mortar, franchise or transportation industries preferred.
• Hands-on, analytical finance leader comfortable working onsite.
• Thorough knowledge of standard accounting systems and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Federal, State, Local tax laws, and regulatory requirements.
• High degree of technical literacy in specialized software related to accounting operations, including accounting, payment processing, and invoicing systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to communicate priorities and solve wide range of operational problems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and staff across departments leads to cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to use discretion, make sound decisions, and maintain confidentiality.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing demands and shift priorities in a growing company.
• Respectful and outstanding skills that motivate colleagues to focus their energy on achieving business goals.

Other:

• Must be able to come into the Lafayette office 5 days a week. 8:30am-5:00pm with some flexibility.
• Incumbent remains through May 8th for transition.
• Interview will be in person.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.

Benefits:

• Paid Holidays: 7 holidays per year (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday), and Christmas Day).
• Vacation: 10 days (80 hours) of vacation, accrued bi-weekly.
• Sick Leave: Accrue paid sick leave, in accordance with California state law.
• Medical Insurance: Choice of Kaiser Platinum HMO or Anthem Gold PPO.
• Dental Insurance: Choice of Ameritas Platinum PPO or Delta Dental PPO.
• Vision Insurance: VSP Platinum.
• Life Insurance: $50,000 Life Insurance coverage.
• 401K Retirement Plan: Eligible after six months of employment. Not matched.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Note to Recruiters: We do not accept unsolicited resumes or candidates from recruitment agencies. Please refrain from contacting us regarding this position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $187,000.00 - $250,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person