Controller

Summary

This role is responsible for leading the organization’s financial operations with a strong focus on accuracy, transparency, and operational partnership. The Controller ensures financial integrity, drives data-informed decision-making, and builds scalable processes that support sustainable growth. This position operates as both a strategic partner and hands-on leader, aligning financial performance with company goals.

Accountabilities

• Financial Reporting & Close

• Own and lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process to ensure accuracy and timeliness
• Deliver clear, reliable financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow)
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable regulatory standards
• Review journal entries, reconciliations, and accruals with a high standard of accuracy and accountability

• Mechanical Cost Accounting & Operational Partnership

• Lead standard costing, variance analysis, and cost roll-ups across operations
• Monitor and analyze labor efficiency, material usage, scrap, and overhead absorption
• Achieve accurate inventory valuation, controls, and cycle count processes
• Partner with plant and operations leaders to improve profitability, cost discipline, and performance visibility

• Internal Controls & Compliance

• Design, implement, and continuously improve internal control frameworks
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, tax laws, and audit standards
• Lead internal and external audit processes with a focus on zero material weaknesses
• Promote a culture of accountability, integrity, and financial discipline

• Cash Flow & Working Capital

• Actively manage and optimize cash flow, AR/AP, inventory, and fixed assets
• Drive working capital improvements (DSO, DPO, inventory turns)
• Ensure liquidity supports both daily operations and long-term growth initiatives

• Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the accounting team (AP, AR, GL, payroll)
• Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and accountability
• Build a scalable team structure aligned with company growth
• Foster a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, and collaboration

• Systems, Data & Continuous Improvement

• Own and optimize ERP systems (Microsoft Dynamics Business Central and future platforms)
• Drive automation, process standardization, and data integrity
• Improve visibility into financial and operational performance across plants, products, and customers
• Support system implementations and integrations to enable scale and efficiency

Key Success Metrics

• Close cycle efficiency (3–6 business days)
• Accuracy and reliability of financial reporting
• EBITDA performance vs. plan
• Working capital improvements (DSO, DPO, inventory turns)
• Audit outcomes (no material weaknesses)
• Forecast accuracy and quality of insights
• ERP and process efficiency gains

Attributes

• Safety First: Promotes a financially disciplined and risk-aware culture, ensuring strong internal controls, compliance, and decision-making that protect the organization’s long-term stability and integrity.
• Human-Centered: Leads with respect and empathy, developing team members, supporting cross-functional partners, and fostering trust through approachable and collaborative leadership.
• Transparent: Clearly communicates financial performance, risks, and opportunities to leadership and stakeholders, enabling informed decisions and organizational alignment.
• Innovative: Drives continuous improvement through automation, system enhancements, and streamlined processes to increase efficiency, accuracy, and data visibility.
• Resilient: Maintains composure and effectiveness under tight deadlines, audits, and changing business conditions, ensuring continuity and reliability of financial operations.
• Reliable: Delivers accurate, timely financial reporting and consistently upholds strong controls, compliance, and accountability across all financial processes.
• Grit & Ownership: Takes full ownership of financial outcomes, proactively solves problems, drives improvements, and follows through on commitments to achieve business results.

Required Knowledge/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (preferred), Finance, or related field
• CPA strongly preferred
• MBA a plus
• 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience
• 5+ years in a Controller or Assistant Controller role
• Manufacturing experience required
• Private equity–backed environment strongly preferred
• Experience with multi-entity or multi-site operations
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and revenue recognition
• Deep experience in cost accounting, standard costing, and inventory controls
• Proven ability to produce accurate financial statements and maintain internal controls
• Strong FP&A capability (budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis)
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams (5–15+ employees)
• Strong cross-functional leadership with operations, supply chain, and executive teams
• Deep understanding of manufacturing operations and cost drivers