Controller

Controller Denver, CO A small, high-growth private equity–backed manufacturing company in the Denver area is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls. This role is highly technical and will play a critical part in scaling the finance function, supporting operational decision-making, and preparing the company for continued growth and potential exit. The ideal candidate brings a strong technical accounting foundation, experience in complex manufacturing environments, and exposure to M&A or integration activities within a PE-backed or similarly dynamic setting. Vaco placed the current CFO fairly recently and she’s loving the new environment and company culture! They are open to considering at the Sr. Manager level “looking for that next step in their career” Compensation $165-175K + bonus Key Responsibilities Own monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring GAAP-compliant financial statements Oversee general ledger integrity, account reconciliations, and journal entry review/approval Lead preparation of internal and external reporting packages for management and private equity stakeholders Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures Research and apply GAAP guidance for complex transactions, including revenue recognition, inventory valuation, and capitalization policies Support audit processes, including external financial statement audits and tax coordination Ensure compliance with lender and PE reporting requirements Oversee standard costing, variance analysis, and cost of goods sold (COGS) reporting Partner with operations to analyze manufacturing performance, labor efficiency, and overhead absorption Improve cost accounting systems and methodologies to better support margin analysis and decision-making Support due diligence, acquisition accounting, and post-close integration activities Assist with purchase accounting entries, valuation adjustments, and opening balance sheet creation Help standardize accounting processes across acquired entities Manage and develop small accounting team (AP, AR, Senior Accountant(s)) Partner with FP&A and operations to drive forecasting accuracy and business insights Support ERP optimization and financial systems improvements Required Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field Active CPA (strongly preferred or previously held) 7–12+ years of progressive accounting experience Strong technical accounting background with demonstrated GAAP expertise Significant experience in manufacturing or product-based environments Deep understanding of cost accounting, inventory accounting, and variance analysis Experience working in fast-paced, private equity-backed, or similarly dynamic environments Preferred Significant experience in manufacturing or product-based environments Deep understanding of cost accounting, inventory accounting, and variance analysis Exposure to mergers & acquisitions, including purchase accounting or integration work Experience in ERP systems (NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, or similar) Prior Controller or Assistant Controller experience in a mid-market company ======================== Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.