Corporate Controller

Corporate Controller

Locations: Knoxville, TN

Company Overview

Stuart Rush is a private business formed from the legacy electric chain hoist plants of Columbus McKinnon Corporation, with the first Lodestar® hoist made in the 1950s. With long-standing operations in Damascus, VA and Lexington, TN, the company builds on a legacy of quality in chain and hoist manufacturing. Stuart Rush values its employees as the foundation of its success and is committed to fostering a strong, supportive and resilient workplace. The company is dedicated to delivering reliable products and earning customer trust through consistent performance while building a strong future for its people and customers.

Job Overview

The Corporate Controller is a key financial leader responsible for overseeing all accounting, financial reporting, and internal control activities for the company. This role ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information while supporting strategic business decision‑making in a fast‑paced industrial environment. This strategic leader brings deep technical accounting expertise, strong operational acumen, and the ability to partner effectively across manufacturing, supply chain, and commercial teams.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Lead and oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and work to continuously improve these processes.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including tax filings, audits, and industry‑specific reporting.
• Manage the annual external audit process and serve as the primary liaison with auditors.
• Develop or enhance internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures.

Accounting Operations

• Oversee all day‑to‑day accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and inventory accounting.
• Ensure timely and accurate month‑end and year‑end close processes.
• Optimize accounting workflows, ERP system utilization, and reporting accuracy to improve efficiency and accuracy in a manufacturing environment.

Cost Accounting & Industrial Operations Support

• Lead and oversee all cost accounting processes, including standard cost development, variance analysis, and inventory valuation.
• Partner with plant controllers and operations leaders to analyze production costs, scrap, labor efficiency, and overhead absorption.
• Provide financial insights to support pricing decisions, capital investments, and operational improvements.

Financial Planning & Analysis Support

• Collaborate with FP&A on budgeting, forecasting, and long‑range planning.
• Provide financial insights and analysis to support strategic initiatives and business performance reviews.
• Develop dashboards and KPIs to monitor financial and operational performance.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing accounting team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, including the CFO and executive team.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA required.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and internal control frameworks.
• Experience in an industrial, manufacturing, or distribution environment.
• Proven track record managing audits and complex accounting operations.

Preferred

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Epicor, SAP, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics).
• Background in cost accounting or plant‑level financial support.
• Experience in private equity–backed or growth‑oriented environments.
• Experience with international subsidiaries.
• M&A experience is preferred

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• High attention to detail with a strategic mindset.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, hands‑on environment.
• Commitment to integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Benefits

At Stuart Rush, we value our employees and are committed to offering a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, paid time off, and a market-leading 401(k) plan.