Overview

The Controller is responsible for leading the accounting function and ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the company's financial reporting. This position oversees the month-end close process, internal controls, accounting operations, cost accounting, regulatory reporting, audits, and financial policy compliance.

The Controller must be a seasoned accounting leader who can build, develop, and strengthen the accounting team through effective coaching, clear expectations, fair delegation, and timely decision-making. This role requires someone who is technically strong, people-focused, and capable of developing others by giving team members appropriate opportunities to grow into higher-level responsibilities.

The successful candidate will be expected to lead with ownership, identify staffing or process constraints early, take decisive action when performance indicators begin to suffer, and ensure the accounting team has the structure, skill, and support needed to meet the needs of the business.

Responsibilities

Financial Reporting and Month-End Close

• Lead the monthly close process to produce accurate and timely financial statements
• Oversee bank reconciliations, balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, reserves, and required adjustments
• Review financial statements and supporting schedules for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies
• Ensure accounting records fairly reflect the financial position and operating results of the company
• Partner with FP&A by providing accurate actual results, explanations of accounting activity, and support for budget-to-actual review

Internal Controls and Financial Integrity

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve a strong internal control environment
• Safeguard company assets through effective accounting processes, approvals, reconciliations, and segregation of duties
• Ensure company policies and procedures are followed consistently
• Identify gaps in accounting processes or controls and lead the development of corrective procedures
• Proactively identify potential losses due to error, fraud, theft, or process breakdowns

Accounting Operations Leadership

• Manage the Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Cost Accounting functions
• Ensure each accounting function operates efficiently, accurately, and in support of company objectives
• Establish clear departmental priorities, deadlines, performance expectations, and accountability
• Monitor accounting department KPIs and take timely action when performance, staffing, or process issues arise
• Ensure vacant roles, workload imbalances, or skill gaps are addressed promptly and decisively

Team Leadership, Development, and Delegation

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop accounting personnel to build a strong and capable financial team
• Intentionally delegate responsibilities in a fair and thoughtful manner to develop team members and build departmental depth
• Provide team members with opportunities to learn higher-level accounting tasks, decision-making skills, and cross-functional business knowledge
• Assess team capabilities and create development plans to close skill gaps
• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth
• Balance workload across the department while ensuring critical knowledge is not concentrated with one individual
• Make timely decisions regarding staffing, performance management, role clarity, and departmental structure

Cost Accounting and Inventory

• Manage the calculation and reliable reporting of product costs, margins, inventory values, and related financial impacts
• Partner with operations, purchasing, engineering, and FP&A to understand cost drivers and margin trends
• Assist with the performance and management of physical inventory processes
• Review inventory variances and ensure appropriate financial treatment
• Support improvements in cost accounting processes, standards, and reporting accuracy

Fixed Assets and Capital Accounting

• Manage fixed assets, including additions, disposals, and reconciliation of the fixed asset ledger
• Ensure capital purchases are recorded in accordance with capitalization policies
• Partner with FP&A on capital appropriation requests, ROI support, and post-project capital reviews, while maintaining ownership of accounting treatment and fixed asset records
• Ensure capital spending is appropriately classified, approved, and supported

Audit, Tax, and Regulatory Reporting

• Coordinate and facilitate external audits and provide required documentation to auditors
• Oversee regulatory reporting, tax filings, manufacturing surveys, government rebate incentive schedules, and other required reporting
• Coordinate with the external CPA firm and other advisors as needed
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of audit, tax, and compliance-related requests

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Serve as a trusted accounting partner to the CFO, FP&A, operations, and other business leaders
• Provide accounting insight to support operational decisions, process improvements, and business initiatives
• Support FP&A with accurate actual results, accounting explanations, cost data, and financial reporting support
• Take an active role in identifying process improvements that strengthen financial accuracy, efficiency, and accountability

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and tax basis accounting
• Strong understanding of internal controls in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, develop, and hold team members accountable
• Proven ability to delegate effectively and develop team capability through clear guidance and special projects
• Strong decision-making skills, including the ability to identify problems, evaluate options, and take timely action
• Ability to recognize staffing, workload, or process issues before they materially impact departmental performance
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Ability to communicate effectively with both financial and non-financial leaders
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required
• Experience with ERP systems and modern accounting technology required; Epicor experience preferred
• Experience with data analytics or BI tools preferred
• Ability to work collaboratively across all levels of the organization

Leadership Expectations

The Controller is expected to lead the accounting department with ownership, clarity, and accountability. This includes building a team that is not only capable of meeting current business needs but also prepared for future growth.

A successful Controller will:

• Develop people, not just processes
• Delegate meaningful work in a way that builds capability and confidence
• Make timely decisions when staffing, performance, or process issues arise
• Create a department where knowledge is shared, responsibilities are clear, and team members are growing
• Maintain high standards for accuracy, timeliness, accountability, and professional conduct

Education and Qualifications

• Master of Accountancy or CPA
• Significant progressive accounting experience required
• Prior leadership experience in accounting, controllership, or a closely related finance role required
• Manufacturing experience strongly preferred
• Experience managing month-end close, audits, internal controls, cost accounting, inventory, and fixed assets preferred