Location: Apopka

Department: Finance/Accounting

Reports to: CEO, COO

About Us

Sanctuary Cannabis is a rapidly growing, vertically integrated cannabis company committed to delivering high-quality products while maintaining the highest standards of compliance, integrity, and community impact. As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to help shape a dynamic and highly regulated industry, while building scalable financial systems that support our growth.

Position Overview

The Controller is responsible for overseeing all accounting and financial operations, ensuring compliance with GAAP, state cannabis regulations, and federal reporting standards. This role will manage accounting functions, internal controls, and financial reporting while providing strategic financial insights to leadership. The Controller will work closely with operations, retail, cultivation, and manufacturing teams to ensure accurate cost accounting and support business decisions in a regulated environment.

Work Schedule & Availability

• Minimum on site requirements: 45 hours per week on site
• Hours/Schedule: M-F 8am-5pm
• On-Call Requirements: Expectation to reply to and/or manage urgent items during off hours.
• Meetings/Events: Attendance is required at management meetings and training.
• Consistency: Regular and reliable attendance outlined herein is an essential function of the role.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: Salary
• Non-Exempt/Exempt Status: Exempt

Benefits Package:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (subject to plan eligibility).
• Paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and holiday pay in accordance with company policy and state law.
• Optional accident insurance, life insurance, and critical illness insurance available.
• EAP to include no cost mental health counseling, financial counseling, legal counseling, webinars, trainings, and other available services. 
• Employee discounts on products, where permitted by law.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for role-specific training and career growth within the organization.
•  Work Environment: Supportive, inclusive workplace culture committed to compliance, patient care, and customer service excellence.

Authorities, Duties & Responsibilities

• Direct all aspects of accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory management, and general ledger.
• Prepare, analyze, and present accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with GAAP.
• Maintain and enforce internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Oversee state and federal compliance for financial transactions, with a strong understanding of cannabis industry regulations including Section 280E.
• Partner with operations to track and report cost of goods sold (COGS), inventory valuations, and production metrics.
• Lead the budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis process.
• Manage and mentor accounting staff, building a high-performing finance team.
• Coordinate external audits, tax filings, and compliance reporting.
• Implement process improvements, systems upgrades, and automation to increase efficiency.
• Provide strategic insights to senior leadership to support business growth, profitability, and risk mitigation.
• Responsible for other requests as specified by the board or as needed by the company.

Supervision:

This position oversees a team comprised of two supporting functions of the accounting department.

This position reports to the CEO and COO.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or MBA strongly preferred).
• 5+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 2 years in a Controller or similar leadership role.
• Experience in a regulated industry (cannabis, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, alcohol/beverage, or healthcare) highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, cost accounting and financial reporting standards.
• Familiarity with the IRS and cannabis industry compliance (preferred).
• Proficiency in POS systems, accounting software and advanced Excel skills.
• Proven ability to manage, develop and mentor accounting teams.
• Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism and adaptability.

Physical Requirements:

Lifting/Carrying:

• Occasionally lift and carry up to 20 lbs (e.g., financial files, laptops, or audit materials).

Standing/Walking:

• Primarily seated role with periodic standing and walking within an office setting.
• Occasional walking through cultivation, manufacturing, and retail facilities during site visits.

Reaching/Bending:

• Minimal; occasional reaching or bending to access office supplies, files, or equipment.

Manual Dexterity:

• Frequent use of hands and fingers for computer work, data entry, and handling documents.

Vision/Speech:

• Constant use of vision to review financial documents, spreadsheets, and computer screens.
• Clear speech required for frequent phone, video, and in-person communication.

Communication:

• Must be able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with leadership, staff, auditors, and regulators.

Environment:

• Standard office environment with moderate noise levels.
• Occasional exposure to cultivation or manufacturing environments that may include strong odors, fluctuating temperatures, or loud equipment during site visits.

Use of PPE/Safety Gear:

PPE (lab coat, hairnet, gloves, safety glasses, or shoe covers) may be required during visits to cultivation, manufacturing, or processing departments.