Assistant Controller

Description

COMPANY INTRODUCTION

Manzana Products Co. has been in business for over 100 years and is a leading producer of organic apple juice, apple sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Manzana is owned by Agrial, a prominent French co-op of 12,000 farmer members and a force in agriculture and food production.


Manzana's mission is to create quality apple products by placing the highest value on people, suppliers, customers, and continuous improvement in manufacturing capabilities, with social and environmental responsibility at the heart of our actions.

We are in the process of relocating our manufacturing facility from Sebastopol, CA to Sunnyside, WA. While the facility is essential, we believe that building a strong, dedicated team is the key to success. At Manzana, we work each day to foster a culture focused on food safety, employee health and safety, customer service, continuous improvement, and an inclusive, respectful environment where all team members' contributions are valued, and feedback is encouraged.

At Manzana, all employees are required to actively participate in our comprehensive Food Safety Program to ensure the consistent production of the highest quality and safest food products. This commitment is essential to maintaining our standards and protecting our customers.

Join us as we grow and make a difference together

Job Summary:

Manzana Products Co. is seeking a hands-on Assistant Controller to support the finance function at its new Sunnyside production facility.This role helps ensure accurate accounting records, disciplined month-end processes, strong balance-sheet controls, and reliable inventory reconciliation. The successful candidate will work closely with Finance and site teams in a fast-paced food production environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare month-end close schedules, journal entries, accruals, and supporting documentation; help ensure assigned close activities are completed accurately and on time.

• Reconcile balance-sheet and general-ledger accounts, investigate unusual or aged items, and coordinate timely corrections.

• Complete bank reconciliations and research differences, outstanding checks, deposits in transit, and other reconciling items.

• Perform inventory reconciliations between the general ledger, inventory records, and physical counts; investigate gaps, document causes, and follow through on corrective entries or actions.

• Assist with annual budgeting and periodic forecast preparation by gathering inputs, maintaining schedules, and validating assumptions with department owners.

• Support accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, prepaid expenses, accruals, cash, and intercompany accounting as needed.

• Maintain clear accounting support and organized records for internal review, external audit, and tax requests.

• Help strengthen accounting procedures, close checklists, reconciliations, and internal controls for the new facility.

• Partner professionally with Operations, Supply Chain, Warehouse, HR, and other departments to resolve accounting and inventory discrepancies.

• Participate in the company food safety program and comply with site safety, quality, confidentiality, and accounting policies.

People Management

At Manzana, Supervisors, Managers and Leadership play a critical role in shaping and sustaining a workplace culture that reflects our core values and commitment to excellence.

We work each day to create a culture focused on food safety, employee health and safety, customer service, and continuous improvement, in a respectful environment where all team members' contributions are valued and feedback is welcomed. Our leaders are expected to model and reinforce our four key values: Dynamic, Responsible, Efficient, and Respectful.

Managers are responsible for leading, developing, and supporting teams to achieve both individual and organizational success. This includes fostering a positive and inclusive work environment where employees feel engaged, empowered, and accountable.

Key expectations for people management include:

• Actively model Manzana's values and set clear expectations for behavior and performance. Promote a culture of respect, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain open, transparent, and timely communication. Encourage feedback and ensure team members feel heard and valued.
• Set clear goals and expectations, monitor performance, and address issues promptly and fairly. Recognize achievements and reinforce positive contributions.
• Build strong, trusting relationships within the team. Foster an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages participation.
• Reinforce and uphold standards related to food safety, employee health and safety, and company policies. Ensure team adherence through training, monitoring, and accountability.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.

• A minimum of 3 years experience as an Assistant Controller or Controller.

• Prior accounting experience in an industrial company, manufacturing environment, or food production business is required; food industry experience is strongly preferred.

• Solid understanding of general accounting, month-end close, account reconciliations, bank reconciliations, accruals, and inventory controls.

Skills:

• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to investigate discrepancies through resolution.

• Ability to organize competing priorities, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively with finance and non-finance colleagues.

• Strong Excel skills and experience with an ERP or accounting system; Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central experience is a plus.

• Strong people management skills.


Employment is contingent upon successfully completing applicable pre-employment screening requirements, which may include:

• Background check, including credit check.


• Drug screening.

• DMV check and satisfactory driving record for positions that require driving or where driving-related qualifications are required.

Manzana Products Co. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their position. Applicants and employees who require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the job are encouraged to contact Human Resources.

Manzana Products Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees and maintaining a workplace that is inclusive, respectful, and free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, business needs, and other legitimate job-related factors in accordance with applicable law.