5-7 years of manufacturing cost accounting experience, including standard costing and inventory valuation.
7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years as a Controller or Assistant Controller.
Proven experience managing remote accounting teams across multiple locations.
Demonstrated ability to build or rebuild accounting functions in startup or cleanup scenarios.
Finance-side experience with at least one acquisition, including purchase accounting and integration.
Track record of reducing manual work and shortening financial close processes.
Practical experience with AI or automation in accounting workflows.
Responsibilities
Build and enhance the accounting function by assessing and prioritizing current processes and controls.
Establish and tighten accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Lead the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, aiming to shorten the close calendar.
Maintain and analyze manufacturing cost accounting, including standard and actual costing.
Collaborate with operations to resolve inventory discrepancies and explain cost drivers.
Manage and develop a distributed accounting team, setting clear standards and accountability.
Lead finance efforts on acquisitions, including integration and system conversions.
Benefits
401(k) with a 6% company match.
3 weeks of paid time off.
12 paid holidays.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage with 80% employer contribution for employees and dependents.
Full Job Description
Job Type
Full-time
Description
About the Role
The Controller owns accounting operations for a growing, multi-location manufacturing business and reports to the VP of Finance. This is a build role. Some processes, systems, and controls exist and need to be cleaned up; others do not exist yet and need to be created. The person in this seat has done this before in a manufacturing environment, has led accounting teams spread across locations and states, and has worked through an acquisition from the finance side.
Responsibilities
Build and clean up the accounting function
Assess current processes, controls, and reporting, and set priorities for what to fix first
Establish accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls where none exist and tighten them where they do
Lead the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close, including reconciliations, accruals, and financial statements, and shorten the close calendar over time
Own manufacturing cost accounting
Maintain standard and actual costing, inventory valuation, and variance analysis across production lines
Review inventory counts, reserves, and adjustments, and work with operations to resolve discrepancies at the source
Partner with plant and operations leaders to explain cost drivers and act on variances
Lead a distributed team
Manage, train, and develop accounting staff across locations, including remote and out-of-state team members
Set clear standards and accountability for a team that does not sit in one building
Support acquisitions and growth
Lead finance work on acquisitions and integrations, including purchase accounting, opening balance sheets, and bringing new entities onto company systems and close processes
Support system changes and conversions in SAP Business One and QuickBooks
Improve efficiency
Identify and implement automation and AI-assisted workflows to reduce manual entry, reconciliation time, and reporting turnaround
Improve data accuracy and reporting in SAP B1 and related tools
Plan and report
Prepare budgets, forecasts, and management reporting at the company, department, and location level
Maintain a rolling 13-week cash flow forecast
Present results, risks, and trends to executive and operational leaders in plain terms
Manage relationships with auditors, tax advisors, lenders, and insurance providers, and ensure GAAP, tax, audit, and lender compliance
Requirements
Qualified Candidates Will Have
Manufacturing cost accounting experience within the past 5 years (standard costing, inventory valuation, variances, overhead allocation)
7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years as a Controller or Assistant Controller
Experience managing accounting staff across locations, including remote or out-of-state team members
Experience building or rebuilding an accounting function in a startup, new entity, or cleanup situation
Finance-side experience with at least one acquisition (purchase accounting, opening balance sheet, integration)
Measurable results reducing manual work and shortening the close
Practical use of AI or automation in accounting workflows
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
Ideal Candidates Will Also Have
CPA, CMA, or MBA
SAP Business One experience
QuickBooks experience
Experience in aerospace, defense, firearms, or other regulated manufacturing
Eligibility Requirements
This position requires access to information subject to U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62, which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and individuals granted asylum or refugee status.
Because this position may involve access to firearms, ammunition, or controlled areas of a licensed firearms manufacturing facility, candidates must not be prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law (18 U.S.C. 922(g)) or Washington state law.
Will work onsite in Lakewood, WA, with occasional travel to other company locations as needed.
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary: $125,000 to $140,000 annually
Annual bonus: target of 25% of base salary
Maximum total target compensation: $175,000
401(k) with 6% company match
3 weeks of paid time off
12 paid holidays
Medical, dental, and vision coverage (80% employer paid for employee and dependents)
