Financial Controller

Controller Position: Full-Time | Salaried, Exempt Department: G&A Reports to: President/CEO Location: Garfield Heights, Ohio Base Salary: $135,000 Position Overview Cleveland Controls is a growing U.S. manufacturer investing in automation, capacity, and a new state-of-the-art facility. We are seeking hands-on Controller to lead accounting and financial reporting while serving as a trusted financial partner to the President/CEO and operating leadership. This role offers direct executive exposure and the opportunity to build scalable financial processes that support continued growth. The Controller is accountable for accurate financial records, timely reporting, manufacturing cost accounting, internal controls, and the development of the accounting team. Equally important, this leader will translate financial and operational results into actionable insight in profitability, working capital, cash flow, and investment decisions. Responsibilities — Accounting & Financial Reporting Lead the Company’s accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, reconciliations, and related staff. Own the monthly and annual close processes; establish clear deadlines and deliver accurate, timely financial statements and management reporting. Review and, when necessary, prepare journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and other accounting transactions. Ensure financial records and reporting comply with GAAP and Company policies; investigate material variances and unusual trends. Responsibilities — Manufacturing & Cost Accounting Own manufacturing cost accounting, including BOM accuracy, standard costs, inventory valuation, and material, labor, and overhead variances. Partner with Operations, Engineering, Purchasing, and Quality to validate cost assumptions, understand production performance, and improve cost and inventory accuracy. Analyze gross margins and product/customer profitability; identify causes of cost changes, scrap, efficiency losses, and overhead absorption variances. Oversee physical inventory and cycle-count controls, inventory reconciliations, and appropriate excess/obsolete inventory reserves. Responsibilities — Financial Planning & Business Analysis Lead the annual budget and periodic forecasts, including cash-flow and working-capital projections. Develop useful management dashboards and KPIs; explain performance versus budget and forecast, and identify risks and opportunities. Evaluate capital expenditures, automation investments, and operational improvement initiatives through financial modeling and return analysis. Provide financial insight and recommendations to the President/CEO and management team to support business decisions. Responsibilities — Controls, Compliance & Financial Operations Establish and maintain practical accounting policies, authorization procedures, and internal controls to safeguard Company assets. Coordinate audits, tax preparation, and other accounting matters with the Company’s CPA firm and external advisors. Oversee banking transactions, reconciliations, cash activity, routine bank reporting, and financial transaction approvals. Assess accounting systems, ERP data quality, and workflows; implement improvements to reporting accuracy, controls, and efficiency. Responsibilities — Leadership & Business Support Supervise, coach, and develop accounting staff; define responsibilities, performance expectations, and cross-training. Work constructively across departments to resolve discrepancies and strengthen financial accountability. Follow applicable requirements of the Company’s Quality Management System. Oversee assigned export compliance processes in coordination with appropriate functional personnel. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field preferred; CPA or CMA preferred. Eight or more years of progressive accounting experience preferred, including staff supervision and ownership of financial reporting. Direct manufacturing accounting experience strongly preferred; demonstrated proficiency in standard costing, inventory accounting, BOMs, and variance analysis. Strong GAAP, internal controls, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and analytical capabilities. Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP/accounting systems; ability to communicate financial insights to non-financial managers. Sound judgment, confidentiality, hands-on problem-solving, and a collaborative leadership style. Benefits & Opportunity Company-paid health insurance, plus available FSA/HSA, EAP, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. Applicable coverage begins after 90 days of employment. Paid holidays, vacation, and PTO. Applicable coverage begins after 90 days of employment. Company matching 401(k) retirement plan, available after six months of employment. Additional Information This position is primarily performed in an office environment. Occasional work in or travel through manufacturing and warehouse areas may be required. Duties and responsibilities may change based on Company needs.