Assistant Controller

We are partnering with a private equity-backed global industrial manufacturing organization undergoing significant operational transformation and positioned for continued growth. With a strong reputation for engineering excellence and mission-critical products, the company serves highly regulated industries where quality, precision, and reliability are essential. This is a highly visible opportunity to join the finance leadership team of a business unit generating approximately $50–100 million in annual revenue with 200–400 employees. Reporting directly to the Controller, the Assistant Controller will serve as a strategic business partner to manufacturing and operations while leading core accounting, financial planning, cost accounting, inventory reporting, and financial analysis activities. The organization has an exciting long-term growth strategy, including preparation for becoming a future public company. Why This Opportunity? Join a growing global manufacturer backed by a leading private equity firm investing heavily in operational excellence and growth. Highly visible role partnering directly with executive leadership and plant operations. Opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a business unit while gaining exposure to a larger global organization. Collaborative culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement, innovation, and employee ownership. Strong long-term career growth potential as the organization continues its transformation. Key Responsibilities Lead the monthly financial close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting, journal entries, account reconciliations, and balance sheet integrity. Partner closely with manufacturing and operations leadership to analyze business performance, identify financial trends, and develop action plans to improve profitability. Prepare monthly financial reporting packages, variance analysis, and key performance metrics for business unit leadership. Lead annual budgeting, monthly forecasting, and long-range financial planning activities. Serve as the finance lead for cost accounting, inventory valuation, manufacturing variances, and operational performance analysis. Analyze manufacturing costs, inventory movements, labor efficiencies, overhead absorption, and product margins to support operational decision-making. Support revenue recognition activities and partner with project managers to monitor financial performance and forecasting. Maintain a strong internal control environment, ensuring compliance with GAAP, SOX, and company accounting policies. Support internal and external audits while partnering with corporate accounting and shared services teams. Provide financial leadership for continuous improvement initiatives, margin enhancement projects, pricing analysis, and operational cost reduction efforts. Prepare cash flow forecasts and partner with shared services on working capital management. Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and financial reporting enhancements. Lead and mentor finance team members while serving as a trusted business partner across operations. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; MBA is a plus. CPA or CMA strongly preferred. 5+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience within a manufacturing environment. Experience supporting both accounting and finance responsibilities, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and business analysis. Strong background in cost accounting, inventory accounting, standard costing, and manufacturing finance. Experience working in medium to large manufacturing organizations; public company experience or a blend of public accounting and industry experience is highly preferred. Experience partnering directly with manufacturing, supply chain, and operations leadership. Strong understanding of internal controls, GAAP, and financial reporting. ERP experience required; experience with IFS Cloud, SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Microsoft Dynamics, or other large ERP platforms is highly desirable. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; Power BI experience is a plus. Prior experience within an industrial manufacturing, engineered products, aerospace & defense, power generation, or highly regulated manufacturing environment is a plus. Exposure to U.S. government contracting environments (FAR, DFARS, CAS, TINA) is beneficial but not required. Ideal Candidate We're looking for a hands-on finance leader who enjoys partnering with operations, understands the financial drivers of a manufacturing business, and can translate data into actionable business insights. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting skills with commercial acumen and thrives in an environment focused on continuous improvement, operational excellence, and long-term growth. #J-18808-Ljbffr