Controller

Location: Houston, Texas 77040Target Compensation: $170,000 – $200,000 Base SalaryBonus Potential: 10% – 15% Annual Performance BonusBenefits: Full Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Paid Time Off, and HolidaysAbout the OpportunityOur client is an established, family-owned steel fabrication and industrial manufacturing leader based in Houston. Operating across three manufacturing facilities with approximately 285 employees, the company is seeking an experienced Controller to serve as the senior financial leader of the organization and partner directly with ownership and executive leadership.Position SummaryThe Controller will be a hands-on accounting leader responsible for stabilizing and modernizing the company's accounting function. This individual will lead the monthly close process, develop and mentor the accounting team, improve financial processes and internal controls, implement best practices, and prepare the organization for a future ERP implementation.This role requires a proactive leader who enjoys rolling up their sleeves, solving operational challenges, building cohesive teams, and creating scalable financial structures within a growing manufacturing environment.Primary ResponsibilitiesAccounting Operations & Close: Lead all accounting operations, including the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, financial reporting, and maintenance of accurate GAAP-compliant financial records.Department Stabilization & Hands-On Support: Establish consistent accounting processes, improve department organization, and personally assist with day-to-day accounting activities as needed to ensure team efficiency and deadline adherence.Team Leadership & Development: Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and professional growth.Process Improvement & Controls: Develop and document standardized accounting procedures, internal controls, and workflow best practices. Evaluate workflows to reduce paper-based processes and introduce automation.Costing & Inventory Management: Oversee inventory accounting, standard costing, job costing, work-in-process (WIP), and manufacturing cost accounting across multi-facility operations.Financial Planning & Analysis: Prepare annual budgets, rolling forecasts, cash flow projections, and monthly executive financial reporting packages.ERP Preparation & Transition: Lead the accounting department's preparation for a future ERP implementation, including process documentation, data cleanup, and system selection support.Compliance & External Coordination: Coordinate annual tax filings and external audits, ensuring complete compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements.Operational Partnership: Collaborate directly with operations to improve inventory accuracy, job costing visibility, unit profitability, and overall facility financial performance.Executive Support: Assist ownership with banking relationships, lender reporting, corporate insurance renewals, employee benefits administration, and annual 401(k) plan reviews.Required QualificationsEducation: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance.Experience: 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, with at least 5+ years in a senior accounting leadership role within manufacturing.Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge of GAAP, inventory accounting, standard costing, job costing, and Work-in-Process (WIP).Software: Hands-on proficiency with QuickBooks (Desktop/Enterprise/Online).Leadership: Excellent communication, organizational leadership, and change-management skills.Preferred QualificationsActive CPA license.Prior experience leading or preparing an organization for an ERP implementation.What Success Looks Like (First 24 Months)Team & Controls: Rebuilt and stabilized a high-performing accounting department with robust internal controls.Reporting Visibility: Enhanced financial reporting, forecasting, and cash flow predictability.Inventory & Costing: Improved inventory accuracy, standard costing, and WIP tracking visibility across all plant facilities.System Migration: Successfully prepared for and executed the initial rollout of a modern ERP system.Strategic Value: Established position as a trusted financial advisor and strategic partner to company ownership.Compensation / Pay Rate (Up to): $170,000.00 - $200,000.00 Per YearJob SummaryJob number: 586264Profession: Accounting/Finance