Assistant Controller

Assistant Controller

Are you a hands-on accounting professional ready to take the next step into financial leadership? Our client, a family-owned $25M manufacturing organization in Milwaukee, is seeking an Assistant Controller to join their accounting team in a unique succession-planning role designed to develop the next Controller. This position offers the opportunity to work side-by-side with the current Controller, gain extensive exposure to all aspects of the organization's financial operations, and ultimately transition into the Controller position within 2-3 years. The ideal candidate is a proactive and detail-oriented accounting leader who enjoys both hands-on accounting work and strategic financial analysis. You thrive in a collaborative environment, can communicate effectively with all levels of an organization, and are motivated by the opportunity to grow into a Controller role.

Assistant Controller Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day accounts receivable activities, including cash application, collections, aging reviews, customer account maintenance, and issue resolution
• Support accounts payable and payroll processing while providing backup coverage for critical accounting functions
• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules
• Assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes
• Prepare and analyze financial statements and operational reports
• Support inventory valuation, product costing, and margin analysis
• Investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies and transaction-related issues
• Strengthen internal controls, accounting procedures, and process documentation
• Assist with audits, tax filings, fixed asset accounting, and compliance activities
• Partner with operations, IT, and leadership teams to improve reporting, ERP utilization, and business processes
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support business decisions
• Gradually assume leadership responsibilities in preparation for future promotion to Controller

Requirements for Assistant Controller:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience with experience in the manufacturing industry
• Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, and month-end close
• Experience preparing and analyzing financial statements
• Experience using ERP and accounting systems and advanced Excel skills
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability
• Cost accounting and inventory accounting experience preferred

Why This Opportunity?

- Defined path toward a future Controller role

- Direct mentorship from an experienced Controller

- Broad exposure to financial reporting, cost accounting, operations, inventory, and strategic finance

- Opportunity to influence processes, systems, and continuous improvement initiatives

- Stable manufacturing environment with strong cross-functional collaboration