Controller

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Controller to lead plant-level accounting and financial oversight for a manufacturing operation in Traverse City, Michigan. This position supports accurate reporting, cost analysis, budgeting, and internal controls while partnering closely with operational leaders to improve financial visibility and decision-making. The ideal candidate brings strong manufacturing finance experience, sound judgment, and the ability to manage both recurring close activities and forward-looking planning.

Responsibilities:
• Lead accounting activities across the general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, fixed assets, and manufacturing cost accounting functions.
• Oversee the month-end close process by preparing journal entries, completing balance sheet reconciliations, and ensuring financial records remain accurate and current.
• Produce weekly and monthly performance reporting that highlights production efficiency, material usage, labor trends, and spending variances for leadership review.
• Develop forecasts, support the annual operating plan, and collaborate with department leaders and the plant manager on financial assumptions, analysis, and supporting schedules.
• Track cost-savings initiatives by preparing financial reports, validating projected savings, and monitoring realized results against estimates.
• Maintain compliance with internal control requirements, coordinate testing activities, and monitor purchasing card reconciliation and related financial controls.
• Partner with plant and floor leadership to understand production activity, resolve day-to-day accounting issues, and strengthen the accuracy of manufacturing data.
• Analyze product cost and overhead performance by reviewing accruals, volume variances, obsolete materials, finished goods reserves, and deviations from standard costs.
• Verify weekly payroll, validate finished goods production reporting, and prepare detailed cost estimates and inventory-related reconciliations as needed.
• Present monthly profit and loss results to leadership and support annual inventory reconciliation for raw materials, packaging, and finished goods.• 5+ years of experience in accounting or finance, with significant responsibility in a controller or manufacturing finance environment.
• Hands-on experience with month-end close, including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and financial statement review.
• Strong background in budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis within a manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency with NetSuite or a comparable ERP system used for financial and operational reporting.
• Working knowledge of cost accounting, inventory controls, payroll validation, and fixed asset accounting.
• Familiarity with internal control compliance and audit support, including structured testing and documentation.
• Ability to communicate financial results clearly to plant leadership and collaborate effectively across operations and department management.