Reports To: CFO, Think Better Group
Type: Exempt
Department: Finance
Direct Reports: AR/AP billing staff
Why This Role Matters
At Klean Kanteen, we're more than a bottle company — we're an independently-owned, mission-driven crew working to eliminate single-use waste and inspire people to bring their own.
As our Controller, you'll be both a strategic financial leader and a hands-on operator. Reporting to the CFO at Think Better Group, you'll own the full accounting function — from day-to-day operations to high-level forecasting, financial analysis, and recommendations that shape the direction of our business.
There is no Accounting Manager below you: you're the one who evaluates, forecasts, and executes. Your financial expertise and clarity of thinking will directly influence how Klean Kanteen invests in its people, its products, and its mission.
What You'll Do
Champion Our Mission & Values
- Be an advocate for Klean Kanteen's mission in every interaction with customers, partners, and staff
- Actively support and embody Klean Kanteen values of Respect, Responsibility, and Fun
- Foster a culture of transparency with the team, retail partners, rep groups, and consumers
- Follow and continuously improve departmental processes and procedures
- Measure progress against objectives and performance targets
Lead & Inspire Your Team
- Hire, mentor, coach, and set clear accountability measures for all direct reports
- Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the Finance team
- Conduct regular 1:1s, set goals, gather peer feedback, and complete semi-annual performance and salary reviews as part of the organization's performance cycle
- Encourage growth, improved efficiencies, and best practices across all accounting functions
Accounting & Finance Operations
- Serve as the hands-on owner of all day-to-day accounting operations — there is no Accounting Manager; you lead and execute
- Develop, implement, and maintain accounting policies and procedures to ensure accuracy and timeliness
- Prepare general ledger entries and manage all month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closings and reconciliations
- Perform thorough GL departmental expense reviews and balance sheet account reconciliations on a routine basis
- Perform bank reconciliations and coordinate internal and external audits
- Monitor and review cash flow closely in partnership with the CFO
- Provide financial information to banks and management for capital requirements and covenant compliance
Banking Relationships
- Serve as the primary day-to-day point of contact with Klean Kanteen's banking partners
- Prepare and deliver weekly borrowing base certificates (BBCs) and monthly bank reporting packages
- Manage covenant compliance tracking and ensure timely submission of all required bank reporting
- Support the CFO in maintaining and strengthening banking relationships
Financial Planning, Forecasting & Analysis
- Lead the creation and coordination of the company's annual budget process, collaborating with department leaders to gather inputs and consolidate the plan
- Develop and maintain rolling financial forecasts; identify trends, risks, and opportunities
- Prepare and deliver monthly and quarterly financial performance reports to the CFO and leadership team
- Provide actionable financial recommendations to support strategic decision-making across the organization
- Develop financial models to evaluate business scenarios, investments, and growth initiatives
- Establish and track KPIs tied to financial strategy to ensure optimal business performance
Tax Reporting & Compliance
- Coordinate with Klean Kanteen's outside accounting firm to manage annual tax filings and reporting
- Work with sales tax vendors to ensure accurate, timely sales tax compliance across all jurisdictions
- Prepare and provide all supporting schedules and documentation required for tax preparation
- Monitor regulatory and legal requirements; escalate issues to the CFO as needed
Accounts Receivable & Accounts Payable
- Oversee, monitor, and evaluate all AR and AP functions
- Work closely with AR staff to review AR aging analysis on a weekly basis
- Manage routine AR and AP reporting and analysis with department staff
Systems & Process Improvement
- Identify and implement operational improvements and best practices related to financial systems and reporting
- Manage third-party relationships supporting finance and accounting functions
- Develop financial controls and measurement systems that provide transparency across the organization
- Provide IT support on behalf of the organization as needed
Who You Are
- Strategic & Hands-On: You can evaluate and forecast at a high level, then roll up your sleeves and execute
- Financially Expert: You have deep GAAP knowledge and can translate complex financials into clear recommendations for leadership
- Trusted Advisor: Leadership looks to you for financial guidance — and you deliver with confidence and clarity
- Relationship Builder: You're confident managing banking relationships and representing Klean professionally to external partners
- Mission-Aligned: You care about sustainability and want your work to support a company doing good in the world
- Self-Starter: You operate independently at a senior level, identify what needs to be done, and get it done
What You Bring
Knowledge & Skills
- Mastery of GAAP and business financial principles
- Strong financial modeling, forecasting, and analytical skills
- Mastery of Excel and excellent spreadsheet skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present financial data clearly to non-finance audiences
- Proven problem-solving and decision-making abilities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and influence across departments
- Ability to identify and develop effective, efficient systems to support organizational objectives
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (required)
- CPA or MBA (preferred)
Experience
- 5–8 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including time in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role (required)
- Demonstrated experience in financial forecasting, modeling, and presenting recommendations to leadership (required)
- Demonstrated experience managing bank relationships and preparing borrowing base certificates (preferred)
- Experience leading an annual budget process (required)
- Experience coordinating with outside tax preparers and sales tax vendors (preferred)
- SAGE experience (preferred)
Tools You'll Use
- Desktop PC/laptop, standard office equipment (printers, fax, copiers)
- SAGE ERP, Banking Platforms, Microsoft Office Suite
Why You'll Love Working at Klean
- Join a passionate, purpose-driven company making a real impact on the planet
- Be part of a workplace culture that values Respect, Responsibility, and Fun — with a whole lot of heart
- Work in a collaborative, transparent environment where your ideas are valued
- Lead a team that's proud of the work they do and the company they do it for
- Help spread the Klean Kanteen movement worldwide!
Klean Kanteen is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are ADA compliant, follow a veterans preference policy, maintain a drug-free workplace, and welcome team members who share our passion for leaving the world better than we found it.
