Controller

Job Description

Job Description

NCS Overview

NCS is an industry leading manufacturing, chemical and technology company whose primary end-market is car wash operators.   NCS was founded decades ago in Iowa (Des Moines) and has grown significantly over the years through a combination of product line expansion, geographic expansion and acquisitions.  The company offers products under leading brands like: Ryko, MacNeal, Shadow, Belanger, Armor All, among others.    Today, with ~1600 employees and 6 manufacturing plants, the Company serves hundreds of customers across N. America primarily through 5 Key Business Units:

• Equipment – manufactures and sells car wash equipment (Tunnels, IBAs, vacuums, water systems, dryers, signs, etc.)
• Chemical – Produces and distributes chemical soaps (sold weekly to customers)
• Parts Distribution – Through a series of warehouses and distribution centers, NCS distributes internal and third-party parts to customers
• Services – Though a field service national field service organization, NCS provides maintenance and break-fix services to customers’ sites
• Technology – Provides range of software to support customers – including point-of-sale, membership, chemical dispensing and analytics, control software, among others

Position

NCS is looking for a seasoned financial controller for its De Pere, WI plant, our NCS Chemistry facility that develops and manufactures the cleaning and care chemicals that power car washes across North America.  Our team combines chemical expertise with hands-on innovation to create formulas that deliver a superior wash experience — from soaps and waxes to specialty treatments.  Join us and help shape the products that keep the car wash industry running.

The position will oversee all general accounting, close and standard costing activities related to De Pere plant.  NCS needs a seasoned leader who can partner with the plant operations, other finance and plant controllers, oversee a complex environment, has aptitude for upgrading and improving our financial procedures and controls, and can lead a small team.

What This Role Offers

This Controller role offers the rare chance to build both deep accounting expertise and real finance experience within NCS's Chemistry. You'll operate much like a mini-division CFO, partnering directly with Chemistry's leadership team on financial strategy and business decisions. You'll develop strong pricing and commercial skills, working closely with sales and operations to understand what drives margin and profitability across our chemical product lines. The plant operates a standard costing system that is still in a relatively early stage of development, and this role will be involved in continuing to build it out toward a more mature state, working within NetSuite, which went live at the plant about a year ago and at corporate about two years ago. For someone looking to grow into broader financial leadership, this is a strong learning ground, with end-to-end ownership and cross-functional business exposure that's less common in a more traditional, siloed Controller position.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the key finance and accounting business partner to De Pere plant leadership and operations teams, providing financial insight to support production, quality, and operational decision-making.
• Own the month-end close process for the De Pere plant, including preparation and review of journal entries, account reconciliations, and reporting on a timely and accurate basis (including MBRs and Bridge Analysis monthly).
• Lead deployment, maintenance, and ongoing oversight of the standard costing system across the plant and ERP platform, including partnering with corporate finance and other plant controllers to drive toward a best-in-class costing environment.
• Analyze and report on standard cost variances (purchase price, usage, labor, and overhead), partnering with operations to identify root causes and drive corrective action.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and reconciliation of periodic and annual physical inventory counts, including cycle counts, ensuring accuracy of on-hand inventory and resolution of variances.
• Support the annual financial statement audit and any internal audits, including preparing schedules, responding to auditor requests, and ensuring documentation of key controls.
• Evaluate, design, and strengthen internal controls and financial procedures at the plant, identifying opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Support the plant's ongoing NetSuite implementation and broader corporate IT/ERP transformation, including process design and testing related to plant accounting and costing.
• Partner with plant management on capital expenditure tracking, project accounting, and equipment and facility investments.
• Prepare and present monthly financial results, KPIs, and cost trends to plant and corporate leadership.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a small plant accounting team, building organizational capability and bench strength.

What You Need… 

• A Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is required, CPA and/or MBA is preferred
• 8+ years in the accounting / finance field
• Strong knowledge and experience with ERP systems
• Experience with budgeting, variance analysis and management reporting
• Flexibility and ability to thrive in a fast paced environment
• Proven leadership and management skills
• A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected
• Flexibility and the ability to thrive in a fast paced environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Preferred, finance experience within a chemical or industrial manufacturing environment

Logistics

• Location – This position is based at De Pere, WI. 
• Work arrangement – Onsite presence at De Pere facility is needed, given the hands-on nature of plant partnership, inventory oversight, and close coordination with operations leadership.

Grow your career supported by an energized and passionate team, professional development, training, flexibility and opportunities for advancement. We offer competitive wages and benefits including comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage, matching 401(k), paid time off and more.

National Carwash Solutions is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free, EEO employer committed to a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, sex age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, education, political affiliation or veteran status.