Controller - Track to CFO

Controller (Track to CFO)

Wayne, NJ | On-Site

$175,000 – $225,000 Base Salary + Discretionary Bonus

A growing $75M manufacturing company headquartered in Wayne, NJ is seeking a strategic and operationally focused Controller to serve as a key business partner to executive leadership and position themselves for future advancement into a CFO role.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a hands-on finance executive who combines strong technical accounting and cost accounting expertise with operational insight, FP&A capabilities, and the ability to help drive business strategy. The Controller will oversee all accounting and financial operations while partnering closely with ownership and senior leadership to support growth initiatives, profitability improvement, and operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate is a strong people leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and has experience managing accounting teams, improving processes, and translating financial data into actionable business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all accounting and finance functions for a $75M manufacturing organization
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of 8 accounting professionals across general accounting, AP/AR, cost accounting, and financial reporting
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting
• Partner with executive leadership on strategic planning, operational initiatives, and business performance analysis
• Drive FP&A activities including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, KPI reporting, and variance analysis
• Develop and enhance financial models to support pricing, profitability analysis, capital investments, and growth strategies
• Lead all cost accounting functions including inventory valuation, standard costing, labor and overhead analysis, BOM review, and manufacturing variance analysis
• Evaluate operational performance and identify opportunities for cost savings, margin improvement, and process optimization
• Strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and financial processes to support scalability and operational excellence
• Coordinate external audits, tax filings, banking relationships, and compliance requirements
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, production, and sales leadership
• Play a key role in long-term succession planning with clear visibility toward future CFO responsibilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA strongly preferred
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership within a manufacturing environment
• Strong cost accounting and inventory accounting experience required
• Demonstrated success leading accounting teams and developing staff
• Experience with FP&A, operational finance, and strategic business partnering
• Deep understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills
• ERP system experience within manufacturing environments required
• Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a growing organization

Preferred Background

• Manufacturing industry experience
• Experience supporting operational leadership and plant environments
• Track record of process improvement and systems enhancement
• Ambition and capability to grow into a CFO-level leadership role

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $175,000 – $225,000
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and PTO
• High-visibility leadership role with advancement opportunity toward CFO track