Corporate Controller

Client Overview:

Our client is an established international manufacturing company located in Essex County, New Jersey. With a global presence and a commitment to operational excellence, the organization is focused on continued growth, financial discipline, and process improvement. The company offers an opportunity to join a collaborative leadership team and play a key role in strengthening financial operations, improving reporting capabilities, and supporting strategic business decisions. They are seeking a Corporate Controller .

Salary/Hourly Rate:

$135k - $170k

Position Overview:

The Corporate Controller will oversee the company's accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls while supporting financial planning and analysis (FP&A) initiatives. Reporting directly to the CFO, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the CEO, this individual will serve as a key financial partner to executive leadership and cross-functional teams.

The Corporate Controller will take ownership of the end-to-end accounting process, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements, a disciplined month-end close, and compliance with applicable accounting standards. In addition to core accounting responsibilities, this role will contribute to budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial modeling to help drive profitability, operational efficiency, and informed decision-making across the business's domestic and international operations.

Responsibilities of the Corporate Controller:

• Own and oversee the full accounting cycle, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and inventory.
• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Prepare and review financial statements, management reports, balance sheet reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, procedures, and financial reporting processes across the organization.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and applicable statutory reporting requirements for international entities.
• Oversee manufacturing and cost accounting, including inventory valuation, standard costing, cost of goods sold, and production variance analysis.
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and other third-party partners to support audits, tax filings, and regulatory compliance.
• Support the CFO in developing annual budgets, periodic forecasts, and long-range financial plans.
• Perform financial analysis, including budget-to-actual comparisons, expense trends, gross margin analysis, and profitability assessments.
• Develop and monitor key financial and operational performance indicators to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with operations, supply chain, sales, and other business leaders to evaluate costs, improve working capital, and enhance operational performance.
• Assist with cash flow forecasting, working capital management, and financial planning activities.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to the CFO and CEO to support strategic initiatives, resource allocation, and business growth.
• Identify opportunities to automate accounting processes, improve reporting capabilities, and increase the efficiency and scalability of the finance function.
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting personnel while promoting accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Required Experience/Skills for the Corporate Controller:

• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including experience in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or similar leadership role.
• Public accounting experience.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment, with a strong understanding of cost accounting, inventory management, and manufacturing financial operations.
• Demonstrated ownership of the accounting cycle, month-end close, and financial statement preparation.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience managing or supporting budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and other FP&A activities.
• Proficiency with ERP and accounting systems, as well as advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to partner effectively with executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and operate effectively in a fast-paced, international business environment.

Preferred Experience/Skills for the Corporate Controller:

• Experience working for a multinational manufacturing organization with international subsidiaries or multiple legal entities.
• CPA or CMA certification.
• Experience with ERP implementations, accounting system upgrades, or finance process transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with foreign currency transactions, intercompany accounting, and international financial reporting requirements.
• Experience with financial dashboards, reporting automation, and business intelligence tools.
• Demonstrated success improving accounting processes, strengthening internal controls, and enhancing financial visibility for senior leadership.
• Experience supporting strategic planning, capital expenditure analysis, and operational improvement initiatives.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline required.
• CPA, CMA, or a master's degree in Accounting or Finance preferred.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Bonus.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Professional development.
• Opportunity to work closely with executive leadership and contribute to the company's continued growth and success.