Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Interim Controller

Job Description

The Controller leads the full financial close, reporting, planning, and analysis activities for a manufacturing site, serving as the primary finance partner to site leadership. This role oversees the monthly close and management reporting, drives the annual budgeting and forecasting processes, and ensures strong internal controls and compliance with accounting standards. The Controller manages a small finance team, supports operational and strategic decision-making, and collaborates with international stakeholders within a multinational corporate structure.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute the full monthly financial close process, including preparation and posting of accruals and provisions.
• Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the general ledger, balance sheet reconciliations, and profit and loss statements.
• Prepare and submit the monthly management report to Group headquarters, including detailed variance analysis and clear written commentary.
• Compile monthly site reports that summarize financial performance, key performance indicators, and operational highlights with supporting analysis.
• Maintain, monitor, and enforce internal controls and accounting policies in compliance with Group standards and US GAAP.
• Lead and coordinate the annual budget process for the site, with primary activity concentrated in September and October.
• Work closely with the Site General Manager and department heads to develop bottom-up budget submissions that reflect operational realities.
• Prepare comprehensive budget packages and presentations for submission to Group headquarters.
• Support rolling forecast processes and update financial projections as business conditions change.
• Serve as the primary finance business partner to the Site General Manager and the site management team, providing insight and guidance.
• Deliver ad hoc financial analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making across the site.
• Identify cost trends, risks, and opportunities, and proactively communicate findings and recommendations to leadership.
• Support capital expenditure analysis, investment requests, and cost reduction initiatives with robust financial modeling and justification.
• Directly manage and support a team of two, including a full-time High Level Accountant and a part-time Accountant.
• Ensure continuity of day-to-day finance operations across the team, particularly during interim or transition periods.
• Provide on-the-job coaching, mentoring, and clear direction to direct reports to build capability and performance.
• Collaborate effectively with international stakeholders and colleagues in different time zones to align on reporting, planning, and controls.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in finance, controlling, or accounting roles.
• Demonstrated experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Prior experience as a Plant Controller, Finance Manager, or equivalent site-level finance lead.
• Proven track record managing a monthly close process and delivering management reporting packages.
• Budget ownership experience, including having led or co-led an annual budgeting cycle.
• Strong technical accounting skills with solid knowledge of US GAAP.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, with experience using IQMS or similar platforms.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for analysis, reporting, and modeling.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial data clearly to non-finance audiences.
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to operate independently, prioritize effectively, and quickly become productive.
• High attention to detail combined with the ability to synthesize complex information into concise, executive-ready narratives.
• Experience managing or mentoring small finance teams.
• Comfort working across time zones and collaborating with international stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional certification is preferred but not required.
• Experience reporting to a European parent company or working within a multinational corporate structure is advantageous.
• Hands-on experience with month-end close, financial reporting, financial statements, audit support, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Familiarity with IQMS or other manufacturing-focused ERP systems.
• Strong general finance and accounting acumen, including month-end close and management reporting best practices.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite in Germantown, Wisconsin, within a manufacturing environment that operates as part of a multinational group. The Controller works closely with the Site General Manager, department leaders, and a small onsite finance team, while also collaborating with colleagues in other countries and time zones. The position relies heavily on ERP systems (including IQMS) and advanced use of Microsoft Excel to manage the monthly close, reporting, budgeting, and forecasting processes. The work environment is fast-paced and detail-oriented, with regular interaction across operational and corporate functions and a strong emphasis on accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to Group standards and US GAAP.

This is a Contract position based out of Germantown, WI.

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $70.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Germantown,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 23, 2026.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.