Controller

We are seeking a Controller who will work closely with executive leadership to support budgeting, forecasting, business planning, and strategic decision-making. The Controller plays a critical role in overseeing the company's financial operations and reporting to ensure accuracy, compliance, and sound financial management. This position is responsible for leading general and cost accounting activities, maintaining effective internal controls, overseeing accounting operations, safeguarding company assets, and providing timely and accurate financial reporting and analysis. This role also leads and develops the accounting team and helps drive financial efficiency, transparency, and continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities - Lead and oversee daily accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, cash collections, general ledger activities, bank reconciliations, and cash disbursements. - Maintain effective accounting controls over cash receipts and disbursements and help safeguard company assets. - Monitor cash position against forecasts and communicate variances to leadership. - Lead the monthly financial close and prepare timely, accurate financial statements that fairly reflect the company's financial position. - Analyze monthly financial results, identify trends and variances, and provide meaningful interpretation and recommendations to management. - Coordinate the annual budgeting and business planning process and develop financial statements that support business plan objectives. - Oversee inventory valuation, including annual physical inventory, cycle counts, perpetual inventory verification, standards review, and standard cost maintenance. - Ensure timely reconciliation of balance sheet accounts, including bank accounts and sub-ledgers. - Maintain control over fixed assets, including capital project review, accounting for acquisitions and disposals, depreciation reserves, and post-project reviews of cost savings and ROI. - Coordinate the annual year-end audit and prepare required journal entries, workpapers, confirmations, and supporting documentation. - Develop, implement, and maintain internal financial controls and procedures to support compliance, financial integrity, and operational efficiency. - Ensure compliance with applicable financial, regulatory, tax, and reporting requirements. - Oversee financial reporting for the company's German GmbH entity and coordinate VAT returns, tax filings, and related compliance requirements with the external German accounting firm. - Provide financial information, analysis, and special project support as needed by company leadership. - Hire, train, mentor, and develop accounting staff to build a strong, high-performing finance team. - Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, executive leadership, operations management, and external auditors. - Follow all applicable safety, quality management system (QMS), and environmental management system (EMS) procedures and work instructions. Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; a B.S. in Accounting or equivalent experience is preferred based on the company's position requirements. - Progressive experience in finance and accounting, preferably within a manufacturing environment. - Demonstrated experience leading accounting operations and managing or developing accounting staff. - Strong knowledge of financial reporting, accounting principles, internal controls, and financial analysis. - Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and accounting or ERP systems. Preferred Qualifications - CPA or CMA designation. - Previous experience in a Controller or senior financial leadership role. - Manufacturing accounting and cost accounting experience. - Experience with ERP systems, including QAD or similar systems. - Advanced financial modeling, forecasting, and data analysis skills. - Experience with tax regulations, filings, and compliance requirements. - Ability to prepare and deliver professional presentations to management. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities - Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills. - Ability to understand, analyze, and interpret financial statements and operational reports. - Excellent verbal and written communication skills. - Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects on a timely basis. - Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise, train, mentor, and provide resources to support employee success. - Ability to work effectively with diverse personalities and at all levels of the organization. - Strong business judgment and the ability to translate financial information into meaningful insights for leadership. - High level of integrity and commitment to accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality. Why Join Us? - Collaborative, team-oriented environment - Opportunity to lead impactful quality and process improvements - Work with advanced manufacturing technologies and automotive quality systems - Career growth and continuous learning opportunities - Comprehensive pay & benefits package - Free on-site fitness center