Controller

Co-Source Solutions is partnering with a growing food manufacturing business based in Essex County, New Jersey, assisting in their search for an experienced, hands‑on Controller to lead and oversee all accounting and financial operations. About the Role The Controller will lead the transformation of the company's accounting and cost accounting processes to establish GAAP‑compliant financial reporting, strengthen inventory accounting, improve internal controls, and prepare the organization for external audits and lender due diligence. The ideal candidate will combine strong technical accounting expertise with a practical operational mindset. Responsibilities Oversee all day‑to‑day accounting operations, including general ledger, month‑end close, reconciliations, financial reporting, and compliance. Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial planning activities. Deliver operational and financial analysis to support leadership decision‑making. Establish accounting policies and procedures consistent with U.S. GAAP. Create and maintain supporting schedules, reconciliations, and documentation necessary for annual audits and lender reviews. Ensure balance sheet accounts are fully reconciled and documented monthly. Lead preparation for external audits, quality of earnings reviews, and financial due diligence processes. Evaluate and remediate internal control weaknesses. Oversee ERP financial integrity, reporting structures, and accounting workflows. Demonstrated success improving accounting processes and internal controls. Drive process improvement initiatives, automation opportunities, and scalable financial operations. Collaborate with operational teams to improve reporting accuracy and financial efficiency. Assess current inventory, purchasing, production, and accounting processes for GAAP compliance. Design and implement a GAAP‑compliant manufacturing cost accounting framework. Develop and maintain standard costing methodologies, BOM structures, labor allocations, and overhead absorption processes. Establish procedures for inventory capitalization, inventory reserves, and proper matching of costs to production. Analyze and correct inventory valuation discrepancies and historical accounting issues. Build monthly inventory reconciliation and manufacturing variance reporting processes. Partner with operations to improve inventory accuracy, cycle count effectiveness, and financial visibility into production activities. Lead efforts to improve gross margin reporting and product profitability analysis. Foster accountability, collaboration, and operational partnership across departments. Support a culture of continuous improvement and financial discipline. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required. 7–10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience. Demonstrated experience implementing or significantly improving manufacturing cost accounting systems. Experience bringing accounting functions into GAAP compliance. Experience supporting external audits, reviews, lender reporting, or due diligence engagements. Strong understanding of inventory accounting under U.S. GAAP. Proven ability to build accounting processes, controls, and documentation in growing companies. Advanced Excel and financial analysis skills. CPA strongly preferred. Prior experience in food manufacturing or CPG environment preferred. Experience leading ERP or accounting system transitions. #J-18808-Ljbffr Co-Source Solutions