Financial Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Controller

Company: Acela Truck Company
Location: Bozeman, MT
Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday–Friday, standard business hours
Compensation: DOE – Based on Experience
Benefits: 401(k) with company matching, health, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off

Company Overview

Acela Truck Company is a growing manufacturer and refurbisher of specialized vehicles, including high-water and flood rescue vehicles, military vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, and recreational expedition vehicles. We operate in a fast-paced, process-driven environment focused on lean manufacturing, clear communication, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Position Summary

Acela Truck Company is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Controller to oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, and financial planning. Working closely with company leadership, this position ensures accurate financial records, effective accounting processes, and reliable financial information to support operational efficiency and business growth.

The ideal candidate combines strong accounting knowledge with analytical skills, sound business judgment, and the ability to improve financial processes. Experience in manufacturing, inventory accounting, and cost accounting is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Management

Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll coordination, and account reconciliations.

Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing processes.

Prepare and review financial statements, management reports, and supporting schedules.

Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with applicable accounting standards.

Monitor cash flow, banking activities, customer billing, collections, and payments.

Establish and maintain efficient accounting procedures and workflows.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

Prepare monthly income statements, balance sheets, cash flow reports, and other financial statements.

Analyze financial performance, identify trends, and communicate findings to company leadership.

Develop and monitor budgets, forecasts, and financial projections.

Track key performance indicators related to revenue, expenses, profitability, and operational performance.

Provide financial analysis to support pricing, purchasing, capital investments, and business decisions.

Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve profitability, and strengthen financial performance.

Manufacturing & Cost Accounting

Oversee inventory accounting, inventory valuation, reconciliations, and adjustments.

Monitor material costs, labor costs, manufacturing overhead, and production expenses.

Support job costing and cost tracking for vehicle manufacturing, refurbishment, and related projects.

Analyze production costs and variances to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.

Collaborate with production and procurement teams to improve cost visibility and inventory accuracy.

Maintain accurate product costing and inventory valuation procedures.

Internal Controls & Compliance

Develop and maintain effective accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Ensure compliance with applicable tax, financial reporting, and regulatory requirements.

Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, tax professionals, and financial institutions.

Prepare documentation for audits, tax filings, and financial reviews.

Identify financial risks, discrepancies, and control weaknesses and implement corrective actions.

Maintain organized financial records and protect confidential financial information.

Budgeting & Strategic Planning

Lead annual budgeting and periodic forecasting in collaboration with department managers and company leadership.

Monitor actual financial results against budgets and investigate significant variances.

Provide financial recommendations to support business planning, resource allocation, and growth initiatives.

Evaluate capital expenditures, operating costs, and potential investments.

Support financial planning for production expansion, new projects, and operational improvements.

Systems & Process Improvement

Oversee accounting systems, financial software, and reporting processes.

Improve accounting workflows, reporting accuracy, and financial data accessibility.

Standardize procedures for invoicing, purchasing, expense management, inventory tracking, and financial approvals.

Identify opportunities to streamline processes through automation and improved systems.

Promote accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

Supervise and develop accounting and administrative personnel as applicable.

Establish clear responsibilities, priorities, and performance expectations.

Collaborate with leadership, Sales, Production, Procurement, and Human Resources.

Help department managers understand budgets, costs, and financial performance.

Communicate financial results, risks, and recommendations clearly to leadership.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.

Five or more years of progressive accounting or financial management experience preferred.

Strong experience with general ledger accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, and closing processes.

Knowledge of financial statements, accounting principles, budgeting, and internal controls.

Experience with inventory accounting, job costing, and manufacturing cost accounting preferred.

Proficiency with accounting software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Excel.

Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Ability to manage deadlines, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with leadership and other departments.

High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential financial information.

Preferred Qualifications

CPA, CMA, or other relevant professional certification.

Experience in manufacturing, automotive, vehicle production, heavy equipment, or industrial operations.

Experience with multi-location accounting, inventory management, and production cost analysis.

Experience supporting audits, tax preparation, financial system improvements, and internal control development.

Work Environment

This is primarily an on-site position supporting Acela Truck Company’s financial and operational activities. The Controller will work closely with leadership and multiple departments in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The role requires sound judgment, confidentiality, attention to detail, and the ability to balance routine accounting responsibilities with financial analysis and planning.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation based on experience and qualifications.

401(k) with company matching.

Health, dental, and vision insurance.

Paid time off in accordance with company policy.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a hands-on financial professional who combines strong accounting fundamentals with practical business judgment. The successful candidate will take ownership of financial reporting, maintain reliable accounting processes, improve cost control, and provide leadership with accurate and timely financial information.

The Controller will play a key role in strengthening financial accountability, supporting operational decisions, and helping Acela Truck Company achieve sustainable growth.

Growth Opportunity

This position offers the opportunity to strengthen Acela’s financial infrastructure as the company grows. The Controller will help develop scalable accounting processes, improve financial visibility across operations, strengthen internal controls, and support long-term business planning.