Controller - Portage, IN

SMS Mill Services, LLC is a leader in the steel mill services industry prioritizing recycling and environmental/worker' safety and handling all operations with integrity. SMS Corporate is seeking a  highly skilled, detail-oriented, analytical and   experienced Controller to lead accounting operations and provide strong financial oversight across our organization. This position will oversee the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable departments, ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, maintain effective internal controls, manage the month-end close process, and provide financial insight to operational and executive leadership.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting leader and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who is comfortable working in a fast-paced, multi-location industrial environment and can effectively lead accounting teams while improving processes, controls, and overall financial performance.

Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the organization’s accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, accruals, account reconciliations, and financial reporting.
- Provide direct leadership and oversight of the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable departments, including team performance, workload management, processes, controls, and issue resolution.
- Oversee AP processes including vendor setup and maintenance, invoice processing, approval workflows, payment processing, and vendor account reconciliation.
- Oversee AR processes including customer invoicing, cash application, account reconciliation, collections, aging management, and resolution of customer account discrepancies.
- Monitor AP and AR performance and establish appropriate processes and metrics to improve accuracy, timeliness, and accountability.
- Partner with operations and other departments to address billing issues, outstanding receivables, vendor discrepancies, and process breakdowns.
- Establish and maintain appropriate controls around vendor and customer setup, invoice approvals, payment authorization, credit processes, and segregation of duties.
- Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
- Prepare and review financial statements and management reporting in accordance with GAAP and company requirements.
- Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures.
- Analyze financial results, identify trends and variances, and communicate findings to senior leadership.
- Partner with operations and site leadership to understand financial performance, costs, margins, and key business drivers.
- Lead and support annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning.
- Oversee cash flow reporting and support working capital management, including monitoring receivables and payment obligations.
- Ensure appropriate accounting and reconciliation of inventory, equipment, fixed assets, and capital expenditures.
- Coordinate external audits and serve as a primary point of contact for auditors.
- Support tax filings, compliance requirements, and other regulatory reporting in partnership with internal and external resources.
- Identify opportunities to streamline, automate, and improve accounting, AP, and AR processes.
- Develop, document, and enforce accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and development to accounting team members.
- Support senior leadership with financial analysis, special projects, acquisitions, integrations, and other business initiatives as needed.

Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required.
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience, including financial close, reporting, and accounting leadership responsibilities.
- Previous Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar leadership experience.
- Demonstrated experience overseeing Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable teams and processes.
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, general ledger accounting, and internal controls.
- Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and variance reporting.
- Strong understanding of cash flow and working capital management.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills and experience with ERP/accounting systems.
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate and improve accounting processes, controls, and workflows.
- Strong analytical, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to communicate financial information effectively to financial and non-financial leaders.
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience working within a multi-location organization and within manufacturing, industrial services, heavy equipment, construction, steel, or a similar operational environment

What We’re Looking For
We are looking for a Controller who will take ownership of the accounting function rather than simply maintain existing processes. This individual should be comfortable evaluating how work is being performed, identifying inefficiencies or control gaps, and implementing improvements.

The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader who can develop the AP and AR teams, strengthen processes and controls, and provide senior leadership with accurate and meaningful financial information to support business decisions.

What we can Offer:

• A comprehensive compensation package to commensurate with experience including bonuses
• Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, company-paid life insurance, etc. eligible on day 1!
• 401(k) matching, 100% on the first 4%, 100% vested as of first contribution
• Paid holidays, 4 weeks paid vacation
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team.
• Opportunity to help drive operational improvements and team success
• Opportunity to grow within operational organization

SMS Mill Services, LLC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. SMS Mill Services, LLC makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.