Assistant Controller (Hybrid)

Bluestem Brands is the parent company to four eCommerce retail brands. We have one mission: to build a dynamic retail enterprise that wins with direct-to-consumer excellence and entrepreneurial-minded employees focused on serving our customers' unique needs. Our leadership is responsive and supportive, empowering those smart and passionate employees who drive our success. We are continually innovating and improving. We take risks, learn from mistakes, and celebrate success as a team.

The Assistant Controller will be responsible for all accounting operations of Bluestem Brands, including managing the financial close process and general ledger, strengthening and maintaining internal controls and supporting the CAO and finance team to analyze financial data, identify trends, and provide strategic recommendations to improve financial performance. A successful candidate will have FinTech, Financial Services or Retail Industry experience. The role will have Bluestem Brands responsibility working with both the Fingerhut and Orchard business divisions.

We empower each employee to put the customer first and our culture of ensuring all employees have an impact enables an entrepreneurial passion. No matter what stage of your career, you'll make an impact on business results and interface with key leaders. As we continue to invest in machine learning, data-driven modeling, CRM tools and innovation, the future is very exciting. Join us in our mission!

This role is based out of our Eden Prairie, MN head office within our hybrid environment that has team members come into the office 3 days a week.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of this position consists of, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead and manage monthly financial close and financial review with clearly defined responsibilities, processes, and timelines.
• Optimize core processes throughout the accounting organization to drive efficiencies and conform with professional accounting standards and best practices in accordance with GAAP to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Take ownership of the general ledger function, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with accounting standards and company policies.
• Oversee (create, evolve and enforce) all financial control activities. Improve existing documentation of financial policies and procedures, business processes, and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to a team of dedicated accounting professionals, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Support the annual audit process.
• Support special accounting projects and ad-hoc requests as needed.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or business.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience demonstrating increased responsibilities and accomplishments.
• 2+ years of leadership experience and demonstrated ability to develop a team of accountants.
• Strong project management skills and experience managing multiple vendors and external partners

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• CPA or master's degree in accounting, finance or business.
• Strong business acumen and executive presence combined with excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly identify relevant resources, understand and assess risks, controls and processes, apply critical thinking and business acumen to identify gaps, perform root cause analysis, and "connect the dots" to present a concise holistic conclusion to stakeholders.
• Comfort with uncertainty and demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment under tight timelines and independently determine appropriate action where precedent may not exist.
• Proven track record guiding financial decisions by establishing, monitoring and enforcing policies and procedures.

About Bluestem Brands:

BLST Operating Company (Bluestem Brands) is a group of FinTech, and eCommerce Retail businesses (www.bluestem.com) led by our Fingerhut and Orchard Portfolios. This position falls under Bluestem Brands where serving our customers is our primary mission. Whether that be as the leading provider for consumers seeking to establish, build or rebuild credit through our Fingerhut brand; or being uniquely advantaged at the intersection of value, exclusivity and curated with solutions tailored to the mature market consumer at Orchard Brands.

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