Description

Primary Objective of Position:
The Controller is a key member of Vector's senior leadership team, owning all accounting operations and internal controls across our plants and locations. You'll deliver the timely, accurate financial information that drives strategic decisions - and you'll have the authority and trust to build the systems, processes, and team to do it right. We're looking for a hands-on leader with deep manufacturing finance expertise who thrives in a fast-moving environment and genuinely enjoys rolling up their sleeves.

Major Areas of Responsibility:

Financial Reporting and Close
• Lead the monthly financial close, closing the books by calendar day 6 and delivering GAAP-compliant statements to the executive team and Board by day 8
• Own financial and operational KPI reporting vs. budget and prior year; surface variances and insights - not just numbers
• Partner with leadership on benchmarking, performance analysis, and strategic financial decisions

Accounting Operations
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed asset accounting - ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and strong vendor and customer relationships
• Manage weekly and off-cycle payroll processing and ensure timely payment to employees and benefit providers

Cost Accounting and Manufacturing Finance
• Own standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory valuation across all facilities
• Ensure inventory accuracy through cycle counts, process controls, and physical inventories
• Partner with operations and supply chain to analyze material, labor, and overhead costs and drive margin improvement

Controls, Compliance and Treasury
• Lead the external audit relationship and coordinate all deliverables
• Maintain documented accounting policies and a strong system of internal controls, including separation of duties and bank reconciliations
• Manage banking and credit relationships; monitor debt levels, covenant compliance, and cash positioning
• Oversee insurance relationships and annual renewals; ensure compliance with all tax and regulatory filings

Systems and Technology
• Serve as business owner of the finance functions with the company's ERP (NetSuite) and payroll systems, driving continuous improvements
• Ensure that secure and orderly physical and digital accounting files are maintained
• Maintain cybersecurity controls over financial systems and data to prevent fraud and protect company assets

Leadership and Cross-Functional Partnership
• Lead, develop, and grow the accounting team; set high standards and invest in your people
• Maintain positive working relationships across the organization. Serve as a trusted financial partner to other departments - providing timely, useful analysis rather than just reports
• Lead financial analysis for capital investments, pricing decisions, contract negotiations, and M&A activity

Additional Areas of Responsibility:

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

Qualifications and Requirements:
This position is based at the corporate headquarters in Fergus Falls, MN with a strong preference for on-site presence. Some travel will be required.

Beyond the credentials, we're looking for someone who:
• Is a self-starter committed to delivering a quality product, highly organized and disciplined - you can lead multiple priorities without dropping the ball
• Communicates financials clearly to non-finance audiences and builds trust across the organization
• Brings a genuine interest in being a strategic partner to leadership, not just a scorekeeper
• Has high integrity and an instinct to do the right thing, even when it's hard
• Is always looking for a better way - you improve processes because it matters, not just because it's asked of you

Experience & Education:

Required
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role
• Manufacturing industry background - hands-on experience with cost accounting, standard costing, and inventory management
• Proficiency with ERP systems; NetSuite experience strongly preferred
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards
• Demonstrated ability to manage a team and lead a tight close process

You'll Stand Out If You Have
• CPA certification
• Experience in a $50M-$200M manufacturer
• Exposure to multi-site manufacturing environments
• M&A due diligence or post-acquisition integration experience

Working Environment:
This role is primarily office-based at our Fergus Falls, MN facility, with occasional visits to the plant floor in a standard manufacturing environment. Reasonable accommodation will be made for individuals with disabilities.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.

Ownership Opportunity:
Granite Partners seeks leaders who are driven to be owners, leaders who would not take on a new role unless it offered a stock ownership opportunity. With this ownership mentality, leaders' interests are naturally and inherently aligned with owners' interests. The Controller will have an opportunity to invest in and be an owner of the company through a Stock Purchase Plan and participate in a Stock Appreciation Rights program to share in the equity gains of the company.

Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to the Individual's qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as physical work location within the state.