Controller/Accounts Payable (Spirits/Liquor Industry)

Job Title – Controller / Accounts Payable (Spirits/Liquor Industry)
Location – Syracuse, NY
Base Salary – $120,000 + ( Depends on Exp )

Note: only NY local candidates

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Controller – Accounts Payable with a strong background in the spirits/liquor industry to oversee and manage all accounts payable functions while supporting overall financial operations.

The ideal candidate will have direct experience working with alcohol distributors, suppliers, excise taxes, freight, and regulatory compliance unique to the beverage alcohol industry.

This role requires strong leadership, analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage high-volume transactions in a fast-paced environment.

Key ResponsibilitiesAccounts Payable Management

• Oversee full-cycle accounts payable process including invoice review, coding, approvals, and payment processing.
• Manage high-volume vendor payments, including domestic and international suppliers.
• Ensure timely payment of suppliers, freight providers, bonded warehouses, and distributors.
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Maintain accurate AP aging reports and cash flow projections.

Industry-Specific Financial Oversight

• Process and reconcile alcohol excise taxes (federal and state).
• Ensure compliance with TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) and state liquor authority regulations.
• Manage inventory-related payables including landed costs, freight, duties, and import fees.
• Coordinate with operations and warehouse teams to reconcile inventory receipts with invoices.
• Support month-end close including inventory valuation and COGS reconciliation.

Financial Controls & Compliance

• Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies.
• Assist with audits (internal, external, and regulatory).
• Monitor and improve AP workflows and approval processes.
• Maintain vendor W-9s and prepare 1099 filings.

Leadership & Reporting

• Supervise and mentor AP staff (if applicable).
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Operations, and Sales teams.
• Provide reporting on vendor spend, cash requirements, and cost trends.
• Assist CFO/Finance Director with budgeting and forecasting related to payables and inventory costs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of accounting experience, with at least 2–3 years in a supervisory or Controller-level role.
• Direct experience in the spirits, wine, beer, or beverage alcohol industry required.
• Strong knowledge of excise taxes, TTB reporting, and liquor distribution regulations.
• Experience with inventory accounting and cost allocation (landed cost, freight, duties).
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, NetSuite, QuickBooks Enterprise, or similar).

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA designation (preferred but not required).
• Experience working with import/export alcohol products.
• Familiarity with three-tier distribution systems.
• Experience managing multi-state regulatory compliance.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

• Do you have direct experience in the spirits, wine, beer, or beverage alcohol industry and for how many years? Please explain your role and responsibilities.
• How many years of experience do you have processing and reconciling alcohol excise taxes and handling TTB reporting?
• Have you managed full-cycle Accounts Payable in a high-volume environment? What was the monthly invoice volume?
• What ERP systems have you used (SAP, NetSuite, QuickBooks Enterprise, or others)?
• Do you have experience with inventory accounting including landed cost, freight, duties, and COGS reconciliation?

Work Location: In person