Controller

VIP Executive Search is partnering with a well‑established manufacturing client to identify an experienced Plant Controller to lead the accounting and finance function for their organization located in St. Francis, WI. This is a full‑time, on‑site, direct‑hire opportunity offering a competitive salary range of $130,000–$150,000 DOE, plus benefits. This is a highly visible leadership role reporting directly to the CEO. The Plant Controller will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of financial information across the business while providing leadership with the financial clarity needed to support strategic decision‑making, operational excellence, profitability, and sustainable growth. The ideal candidate will bring strong manufacturing cost accounting experience, hands‑on financial leadership, inventory control knowledge, and the ability to partner closely with operations to improve visibility into cost, margins, labor, throughput, and overall plant performance. Key Responsibilities Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process to ensure timely, accurate, and complete financial reporting. Prepare and oversee financial statements, including balance sheet, profit and loss statements, reconciliations, and supporting schedules. Maintain disciplined accounting practices and ensure financial records are accurate, audit‑ready, and aligned with GAAP standards. Provide the CEO and leadership team with clear and reliable financial information to support business decisions. Cost Accounting & Profitability Analysis Establish, maintain, and analyze standard costs, job costing, department costing, and variance reporting. Deliver profitability analysis by department, product line, and facility to support pricing, margin improvement, and resource allocation. Provide leadership with meaningful cost insights that improve operational and financial performance. Build cost and profitability reporting where limited visibility currently exists. Inventory Control & Operational Finance Oversee inventory accounting, monthly inventory reconciliations, and year‑end physical inventory processes across facilities. Partner closely with Operations leadership to translate labor, throughput, scrap, and production data into actionable financial insights. Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying cost drivers, margin opportunities, and operational trends. Strengthen accountability and accuracy around inventory, costing, and production‑related financial reporting. Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Management Own the annual budgeting process, rolling forecasts, and budget‑to‑actual variance reporting by department. Manage cash flow forecasting, working capital, accounts payable, accounts receivable oversight, and liquidity planning. Provide financial visibility to support the organization’s growth, operational planning, and strategic objectives. Internal Controls, Compliance & Audit Readiness Develop, document, and enforce accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls. Ensure accurate expense coding, classification, and financial discipline in partnership with procurement, materials, and operations teams. Lead the annual external audit process and ensure timely completion. Maintain a controlled, compliant, and audit‑ready accounting environment. Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team while setting clear expectations and accountability. Promote a collaborative, productive, and positive work environment. Strengthen team performance through coaching, development, and consistent leadership. Foster a culture of accuracy, ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required. CPA preferred, but not required. 5+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or similar leadership role. Strong manufacturing cost accounting and standard costing experience required. Experience with inventory accounting, physical inventory, cycle counts, and variance analysis. Strong knowledge of month‑end close, GAAP financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial statement preparation. Experience managing cash flow, working capital, AP/AR oversight, and treasury‑related functions. Strong ERP/accounting systems experience and advanced Excel skills. Experience building cost, profitability, and operational reporting in a manufacturing environment. Multi‑site or multi‑entity accounting experience is a plus. Prior experience managing and developing an accounting team. Ideal Candidate Profile The ideal candidate is a hands‑on financial leader who understands the manufacturing environment and can connect accounting, operations, inventory, and profitability. This person should be highly analytical, detail‑oriented, proactive, and comfortable working closely with executive and operational leadership. They should bring strong integrity, urgency, leadership, accountability, and the ability to improve processes, build reporting structure, and provide meaningful financial insight that supports better business decisions. VIP Executive Search and our client are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr VIP Executive Search