Manufacturing Controller

Manufacturing ControllerLocation: Michigan Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire Compensation: 125,000 – 170,000Position OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Controller to oversee financial operations, cost accounting, and financial reporting within a manufacturing environment. This individual will partner with operational leadership to provide financial insights, improve performance, and support business decisions.The ideal candidate will have strong accounting fundamentals and hands-on manufacturing finance experience, including standard costing, inventory management, variance analysis, budgeting, and forecasting.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Reporting & AccountingOversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.Prepare and analyze financial statements, management reports, and key performance indicators.Maintain accurate general ledger accounts, account reconciliations, and financial records.Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, and applicable accounting standards.Coordinate internal and external audits and support financial reporting requirements.Manufacturing Cost AccountingManage standard costing processes, including material, labor, and manufacturing overhead costs.Analyze production variances, including purchase price, labor efficiency, material usage, and overhead variances.Monitor manufacturing costs and identify opportunities to improve margins and operational efficiency.Partner with operations to evaluate production performance, scrap, waste, labor utilization, and cost-saving initiatives.Maintain accurate product costing, bills of materials, and inventory valuation.Inventory & Operations FinanceOversee inventory accounting, reconciliations, and valuation.Support physical inventory counts and cycle-count processes.Analyze inventory levels, reserves, obsolescence, and excess or slow-moving inventory.Collaborate with supply chain, purchasing, production, and warehouse teams to improve inventory accuracy and working capital.Evaluate capital expenditures and provide financial analysis for equipment purchases and operational investments.Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial AnalysisLead annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.Analyze operating results against budget, forecast, and prior periods.Provide financial insights into production costs, gross margins, labor, overhead, and profitability.Identify financial risks, trends, and opportunities to improve performance.Prepare actionable reports and recommendations for management.Business Partnership & LeadershipServe as a financial partner to plant management, operations, engineering, procurement, and supply chain teams.Translate financial data into practical recommendations that support business decisions.Develop and improve financial processes, reporting systems, and internal controls.Support continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence programs.Lead, mentor, and develop accounting or finance team members, as applicable.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.Five or more years of progressive accounting or finance experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.Strong knowledge of manufacturing cost accounting, standard costing, and inventory valuation.Experience with month-end close, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.Ability to collaborate effectively with finance and non-finance stakeholders.Preferred QualificationsCPA, CMA, or MBA.Experience in a multi-site manufacturing environment.Familiarity with ERP platforms such as SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, or Infor.Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational cost reduction.Prior experience leading or developing an accounting team.