Controller

About the Role

The Controller leads all accounting and financial operations for the tissue manufacturing facility in Calhoun, TN. This salaried exempt position ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, provides operational and financial analysis to support business decisions, maintains compliance with corporate policies and regulatory requirements, and serves as a key member of the mill leadership team. The Controller partners closely with plant operations, maintenance, engineering, and corporate finance to drive cost management, operational performance, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting & Month-End Close
  • Lead all monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities.
  • Ensure timely and accurate month-end closing, with a target close cycle of 4 business days.
  • Prepare and review monthly financial statements, including income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow reporting.
  • Perform detailed variance analysis against budget, forecast, and prior year results.
  • Analyze and reconcile all balance sheet accounts.
  • Prepare and review monthly journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations.
  • Complete all required corporate reporting packages within established deadlines.
• Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Analysis
  • Maintain and improve plant costing systems and processes.
  • Analyze manufacturing costs, maintenance costs, fixed costs, and direct operating costs.
  • Review daily and weekly KPI cost reports and identify opportunities for cost improvement.
  • Lead weekly cost control and spending review meetings with plant leadership.
  • Monitor inventory valuation and reserves, including stores inventory reserve calculations.
  • Coordinate monthly inventory reconciliations and annual physical inventory processes.
  • Support operational teams with financial analysis related to production performance and efficiency improvements.
• Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning
  • Coordinate the annual budgeting process and periodic forecasting activities.
  • Partner with department managers to develop spending plans and identify cost-saving opportunities.
  • Provide analysis and explanations for actual versus budget and actual versus forecast performance.
  • Develop business cases and financial models to support capital investment decisions.
  • Provide scenario analysis and operational financial support to management.
• Compliance, Audit & Corporate Reporting
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and internal controls.
  • Coordinate internal and external audit requests and provide supporting documentation.
  • Manage state and local tax reporting requirements.
  • Prepare year-end reporting schedules for taxes, insurance, and corporate compliance needs.
  • Support lease accounting and compliance with applicable accounting standards.
• Leadership & Team Development
  • Supervise and develop Cost Accountants and other finance team members.
  • Establish performance expectations and provide coaching and mentorship.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork.
  • Collaborate effectively with operations, maintenance, engineering, procurement, and corporate finance teams.
  • Serve as a key member of the mill leadership team supporting safety, environmental, production, reliability, and financial objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting and finance experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in tissue, paper, pulp, packaging, or other process manufacturing industries is strongly preferred.
• Prior supervisory or management experience required.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and cost drivers.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence operational decision-making through financial analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.

Direct Reports

Cost Accountant(s) (2)

Key Success Measures

• Accurate and timely month-end close.
• Effective cost control and variance management.
• Strong partnership with plant leadership and operations teams.
• Development and engagement of the finance team.