Controller

A well-established, mid-sized privately held manufacturing company near Mukwonago, WI is seeking a hands‑on, strategic Controller to lead the company’s accounting and finance function. This role blends traditional Controller responsibilities with CFO‑level exposure, acting as a key financial partner to the President and leadership team. The Controller will oversee all accounting operations while also providing financial insight, forecasting, and strategic guidance to support business growth and operational decision‑making. This individual will manage a team of approximately 12 and play a critical role in driving financial discipline, improving processes, and supporting long‑term scalability. This is an onsite leadership position requiring strong visibility within the organization, with flexibility as needed. Key Responsibilities Financial Leadership & Strategy – Serve as a strategic financial partner to the President, providing insights to support business decisions and growth initiatives Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long‑range financial planning processes Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial metrics Provide financial modeling, scenario analysis, and profitability assessments Support strategic initiatives including capital investments, expansion, and operational improvements Oversee all accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and financial reporting – Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements Maintain strong internal controls, policies, and procedures Manage year‑end close process and work closely with external auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners Ensure compliance with GAAP and all regulatory requirements Operational Finance Partner closely with operations leadership to analyze costs, margins, inventory, and production efficiency Drive cost accounting accuracy and inventory valuation practices Identify opportunities for cost savings, margin improvement, and operational efficiencies Support pricing strategies and customer profitability analysis Monitor cash flow, working capital, and overall financial health of the business Lead, mentor, and develop a team of approximately 12 across accounting and finance functions Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross‑functional collaboration Oversee hiring, training, and performance management within the department Assess team structure and make recommendations to scale as the business grows System & Process Improvement Evaluate and improve financial systems, reporting tools, and ERP utilization Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability Drive automation and standardization initiatives across financial processes Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA strongly preferred) 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including leadership in a manufacturing environment Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls Demonstrated ability to operate both tactically and strategically Proven experience partnering with senior leadership or ownership Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools #J-18808-Ljbffr