Controller

Controller About the Opportunity Our client, a growing manufacturing company, is seeking a hands‑on Controller to serve as a strategic financial partner to the leadership team. This is more than a traditional accounting role—the ideal candidate will help drive business decisions, improve financial visibility, and work cross‑functionally with operations, sales, and leadership to support continued growth. If you're someone who enjoys understanding the business behind the numbers and wants a seat at the table, this is an outstanding opportunity. What You'll Do Lead the monthly financial close process and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting. Prepare and analyze monthly financial statements and management reports. Oversee general accounting functions, including general ledger, reconciliations, and financial controls. Develop and maintain manufacturing cost accounting, including labor, material, and overhead analysis. Partner with operations to identify cost‑saving opportunities and improve profitability. Review and update costing models to ensure pricing and quoting accurately reflect manufacturing costs. Work closely with the sales team to support pricing and quoting decisions. Analyze manufacturing performance, margins, and operational metrics to support strategic decision‑making. Coordinate with the company's outside accounting partner on year‑end financial and tax matters. Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities. Assist with HR and administrative functions, including payroll coordination, benefits administration, and other employee‑related processes. Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, internal controls, and overall business efficiency. Serve as a trusted advisor to ownership and department leaders. What We're Looking For Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred. 5+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience. Manufacturing accounting or cost accounting experience strongly preferred. Experience leading month‑end close and preparing financial statements. Strong understanding of inventory, manufacturing costs, overhead allocation, and standard costing. Experience working with ERP/MRP systems. Strong Excel and financial analysis skills. Ability to communicate financial information clearly to both financial and non‑financial leaders. Self‑motivated with excellent organizational and problem‑solving skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience with any of the following is a plus: Manufacturing ERP systems Cost accounting and product costing Budgeting and forecasting Payroll and HR administration Process improvement and continuous improvement initiatives Supporting pricing and quoting decisions Working in a small to mid‑sized manufacturing environment What You'll Enjoy Opportunity to become a key member of the leadership team. High visibility with ownership and the ability to influence business decisions. Broad responsibilities that extend beyond traditional accounting. Collaborative culture where finance partners closely with operations and sales. Stable, growing manufacturing company with a long‑term outlook. Opportunity to help shape future financial processes, systems, and employee programs as the company continues to grow. What Makes Someone Successful The ideal candidate is someone who: Thinks strategically while maintaining strong attention to detail. Enjoys getting out from behind the desk to understand the business. Builds strong relationships across departments. Takes ownership and continuously looks for ways to improve processes. Is naturally curious and enjoys solving business problems. Wants to grow into a true business partner rather than simply managing the books. #J-18808-Ljbffr Gilder Search Group