Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Controller is responsible for leading all accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, cost accounting, treasury, and internal control functions for a multi-site food ingredient manufacturing business. This role oversees the financial operations of two manufacturing facilities, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong cost controls, regulatory compliance, and actionable financial insights that support operational excellence and business growth.

The Controller serves as a key business partner to ownership and senior leadership, providing financial analysis and strategic recommendations to improve profitability, cash flow, and operational performance.

Location

Hybrid position, serving Dresser, WI & Cameron, WI facilities 

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Direct all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and inventory accounting.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Manage month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Develop and maintain financial reporting packages, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies.

Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Finance

• Lead standard cost development and maintenance for all products and manufacturing processes.
• Analyze manufacturing variances, labor efficiency, yield performance, overhead absorption, and inventory valuation.
• Partner with plant leadership to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve operational profitability.
• Monitor production costs, inventory levels, scrap, waste, and plant performance metrics.
• Support pricing decisions through margin and profitability analysis.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Lead annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.
• Develop financial models to support business planning and capital investment decisions.
• Analyze financial and operational performance against budget and forecast.
• Provide management with actionable insights regarding trends, risks, and opportunities.

Cash Management & Treasury

• Manage cash flow forecasting and working capital requirements.
• Monitor banking relationships, debt compliance, and liquidity needs.
• Oversee capital expenditure tracking and financial evaluation of investment projects.
• Ensure effective management of receivables, payables, and inventory to optimize cash flow.

Compliance, Controls & Risk Management

• Establish and maintain strong internal controls and financial procedures.
• Coordinate external audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Support food manufacturing compliance requirements related to inventory traceability and financial controls.
• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational partnership.
• Collaborate closely with plant managers, operations, procurement, supply chain, and executive leadership.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA designation strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Minimum 3-5 years of manufacturing accounting experience required.
• Experience in food, ingredients, consumer packaged goods (CPG or process manufacturing environments strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of GAAP, cost accounting, inventory accounting, and financial reporting.
• Experience with ERP systems in a manufacturing environment. MS Business Central 365 a plus.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial analysis tools.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.
• Familiarity with audit coordination, tax compliance, and internal controls.

Leadership Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to influence decision-making across operational and executive teams.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities.

Preferred

• CPA and/or CMA certification.
• Experience implementing or optimizing ERP systems.
• Experience in rapid growth environments.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing operations, inventory traceability, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Success Metrics

• Timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Improved manufacturing cost visibility and control.
• Effective budget management and forecasting accuracy.
• Strong internal control environment and successful audit outcomes.
• Enhanced profitability, cash flow, and operational decision support.
• Development of a high-performing finance and accounting team.

Reporting Relationship

Reports directly to the President and VP of Finance.