Controller

About the role

We are partnering with a well-established manufacturing organization in Erie, PA to identify a hands-on Controller who enjoys working closely with operations and leadership. This is a highly visible role offering strong long-term stability, a collaborative team environment, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across accounting, inventory, costing, and operational finance. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys being both strategic and hands‑on — leading the accounting function while partnering closely with operations to improve visibility, reporting, and overall business performance. The company offers a strong culture with long employee tenure, leadership accessibility, career growth potential, and a team‑oriented environment focused on doing things the right way.

Responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day accounting operations and oversee monthly close activities
• Prepare and review financial statements, reconciliations, and journal entries
• Manage inventory and cost accounting processes, including job costing analysis and profitability reporting
• Partner closely with operations leadership to improve financial visibility and support decision making
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and ongoing financial reporting initiatives
• Maintain internal controls and assist with audit coordination
• Oversee ERP‑related accounting processes and reporting
• Mentor and support a small accounting team while remaining hands‑on in daily operations
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and operational efficiencies

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• 5+ years of accounting or finance experience within a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting, cost accounting, and financial reporting
• Experience working within an ERP system (Epicor or similar ERP experience preferred)
• Advanced Excel and overall systems proficiency
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross‑functionally with operations and leadership
• Hands‑on leadership style with strong problem‑solving abilities

Skills

• Advanced Excel proficiency
• ERP system experience (Epic