Controller

Transformation-Ready Controller

Reports To: CFO / CEO Department: Finance Supervises: Accounting Staff (AP, AR, Cost Accounting) FLSA Status: Exempt Work Location: In-office, West Chester, OH Work from home available after training period Travel: Up to 10%

Position Summary

This role is responsible for building a scalable, GAAP-compliant, audit-ready accounting infrastructure to support growth. The Controller will lead the transition from cash-basis to accrual accounting, establish formal accounting policies and internal controls, prepare the organization for audit readiness, and serve as functional lead for ERP selection and implementation (transition from QuickBooks Online to NetSuite).

Financial Leadership & Reporting

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Convert financial reporting from cash to accrual basis in accordance with GAAP.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements with supporting schedules.
• Establish formal month-end close calendar and documentation standards.
• Present financial results, variance analysis, and KPIs to leadership.
• Maintain strong internal controls and balance sheet integrity.

Accounting Transformation & Audit Readiness

• Design and implement accrual accounting framework (revenue, payroll, reserves, WIP, inventory).
• Draft and implement formal accounting policies and procedures manual.
• Develop and document internal control structure including segregation of duties.
• Ensure GAAP-compliant revenue recognition policies.
• Prepare organization for annual audit or Quality of Earnings review.
• Institutionalize audit-ready documentation practices.

Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Finance

• Lead cost accounting functions including standard costing and variance analysis.
• Ensure proper absorption costing and inventory capitalization under GAAP.
• Oversee BOM integrity and standard cost updates.
• Analyze labor, material, and overhead variances to drive margin improvement.
• Design and document overhead allocation methodologies.

Inventory & Operational Finance

• Oversee inventory valuation, cycle counts, and physical inventory procedures.
• Implement controls over WIP, raw materials, and finished goods.
• Manage inventory reserves and obsolescence analysis.
• Improve inventory accuracy and turnover.

ERP Leadership & Systems Transformation

• Serve as finance lead for ERP transition from QuickBooks Online to NetSuite.
• Redesign chart of accounts to support manufacturing and management reporting.
• Lead data migration, configuration, testing, and training.
• Implement system-based approval workflows and internal controls.
• Build KPI dashboards and reporting tools within NetSuite.

Cash & Working Capital Management

• Oversee AR, AP, and daily cash management.
• Improve DSO, inventory turns, and payables management.
• Build a rolling cash flow forecast model.

Team Leadership

• Develop and mentor accounting staff.
• Build a scalable finance function aligned with operational goals.
• Lead change management initiatives across the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA strongly preferred).
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience; 3+ years in leadership.
• Experience in manufacturing and engineering environments.
• Demonstrated experience converting from cash to accrual accounting.
• Experience drafting accounting policies and internal controls.
• ERP implementation leadership experience (NetSuite preferred).
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, inventory accounting, and revenue recognition.
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.

Key Performance Indicators

• Successful conversion to accrual accounting within 6–12 months.
• ERP implementation completed on time and within budget.
• Month-end close completed in ≤ 12 business days.
• Audit-ready financials with minimal post-close adjustments.
• Improved inventory accuracy and margin visibility.
• Implementation of documented accounting policies and procedures manual.