Controller - Track to CFO

Controller (Track to CFO)Wayne, NJ | On-Site $175,000 – $225,000 Base Salary + Discretionary BonusA growing $75M manufacturing company headquartered in Wayne, NJ is seeking a strategic and operationally focused Controller to serve as a key business partner to executive leadership and position themselves for future advancement into a CFO role.This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a hands-on finance executive who combines strong technical accounting and cost accounting expertise with operational insight, FP&A capabilities, and the ability to help drive business strategy. The Controller will oversee all accounting and financial operations while partnering closely with ownership and senior leadership to support growth initiatives, profitability improvement, and operational efficiency.The ideal candidate is a strong people leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and has experience managing accounting teams, improving processes, and translating financial data into actionable business decisions.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and manage all accounting and finance functions for a $75M manufacturing organizationSupervise, mentor, and develop a team of 8 accounting professionals across general accounting, AP/AR, cost accounting, and financial reportingOversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reportingPartner with executive leadership on strategic planning, operational initiatives, and business performance analysisDrive FP&A activities including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, KPI reporting, and variance analysisDevelop and enhance financial models to support pricing, profitability analysis, capital investments, and growth strategiesLead all cost accounting functions including inventory valuation, standard costing, labor and overhead analysis, BOM review, and manufacturing variance analysisEvaluate operational performance and identify opportunities for cost savings, margin improvement, and process optimizationStrengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and financial processes to support scalability and operational excellenceCoordinate external audits, tax filings, banking relationships, and compliance requirementsCollaborate cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, production, and sales leadershipPlay a key role in long-term succession planning with clear visibility toward future CFO responsibilitiesQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA strongly preferred10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership within a manufacturing environmentStrong cost accounting and inventory accounting experience requiredDemonstrated success leading accounting teams and developing staffExperience with FP&A, operational finance, and strategic business partneringDeep understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and financial reportingStrong analytical, communication, and leadership skillsERP system experience within manufacturing environments requiredAbility to operate both strategically and hands-on in a growing organizationPreferred BackgroundManufacturing industry experienceExperience supporting operational leadership and plant environmentsTrack record of process improvement and systems enhancementAmbition and capability to grow into a CFO-level leadership roleCompensation & BenefitsBase salary: $175,000 – $225,000Discretionary annual bonusComprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and PTOHigh-visibility leadership role with advancement opportunity toward CFO track