Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for leading all accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance activities for a manufacturing organization. This role ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial information, oversees monthly and annual close processes, manages cost accounting and inventory controls, and provides financial analysis to support strategic business decisions. The Controller serves as a key business partner to operations, sales, supply chain, and executive leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Develop and maintain financial reporting packages for executive management and ownership.
• Analyze financial results and provide insights regarding variances, trends, and business performance.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning activities.
• Manage cash flow reporting and working capital performance.

Manufacturing & Cost Accounting

• Oversee standard cost accounting systems and ensure accurate product costing.
• Analyze manufacturing variances, including labor, material, overhead, and production efficiencies.
• Review and maintain bills of materials (BOMs), routings, and inventory valuation methodologies.
• Partner with operations leadership to identify cost reduction and margin improvement opportunities.
• Monitor inventory controls and ensure accurate inventory valuation and reporting.
• Lead physical inventory counts and cycle count programs.

Accounting Operations

• Manage general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and treasury functions.
• Ensure proper account reconciliations and supporting documentation.
• Establish and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Supervise and develop accounting staff.
• Evaluate and improve accounting processes through automation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, and company policies.
• Coordinate annual financial statement audits and tax filings.
• Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, banks, and regulatory agencies.
• Develop and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard company assets.
• Support compliance with sales and use tax, property tax, and other regulatory requirements.

Strategic Business Support

• Partner with executive leadership to evaluate business performance and strategic initiatives.
• Provide financial modeling and analysis for capital investments, pricing decisions, and operational improvements.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards to monitor financial and operational performance.
• Support mergers, acquisitions, system implementations, and other special projects as required.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA designation strongly preferred.
• MBA preferred but not required.

Experience

• 7–10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Minimum 3–5 years in a leadership role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in cost accounting, inventory management, and financial reporting.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, or similar.
• Experience managing audits and financial compliance requirements.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Deep knowledge of manufacturing accounting and cost accounting principles.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial analysis tools.
• Experience developing budgets, forecasts, and KPI reporting.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive accountability.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• High level of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail.