Controller/Accounting Manager

Role Overview The Controller / Accounting Manager serves as the primary financial leader responsible for the overall fiscal health of the organization, including oversight of multiple legal entities within a privately held manufacturing environment. This role blends hands-on technical accounting expertise with people leadership, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, and continuous process improvement. The position requires deep experience in manufacturing accounting, consolidations, and ERP systems, along with the ability to partner effectively across the business. Key Responsibilities Financial Close, Reporting & Consolidations Lead and execute monthly and annual close processes, including journal entries, general ledger reconciliations, and financial statement preparation. Perform intercompany reconciliations and eliminations and prepare consolidated financial statements in accordance with US GAAP. Prepare and analyze income statements, balance sheets, and management reporting packages, providing clear interpretation of financial results. Ensure financial records are accurate, complete, and maintained in compliance with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements. Audit, Tax & Compliance Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors and accountants, leading external audit activities. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations. Oversee tax compliance, including sales tax, property tax, and coordination with external CPAs for federal and state income tax filings. Maintain strong accounting controls and a high level of confidentiality and integrity. Operational & Manufacturing Accounting Direct inventory valuation and cost accounting, including standard costing, job cost analysis, production variances, and inventory reserves. Provide financial support and cost analysis to manufacturing, materials, and operations teams. Track and maintain fixed asset and depreciation schedules. Manage multi-entity cash positioning and treasury-related activities. Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable & Credit Oversee and standardize Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) functions. Manage and maintain company credit policies, including establishing credit terms and overseeing collections activities. Systems, ERP & Process Improvement Serve as the functional accounting lead for the ERP system (SyteLine / Infor preferred). Demonstrate strong technological agility, with the ability to quickly learn, adapt, and implement new systems or enhancements. Drive continuous process improvements, automation, and efficiencies to reduce close cycle time and improve data accuracy. Assist with system integrations related to acquisitions or business growth. Leadership & People Management Supervise and develop accounting staff, including performance evaluations, coaching, and compensation recommendations. Foster a culture of accountability, high performance, and continuous employee development. Establish clear goals, monitor results, and mentor team members for future growth and advancement. Communicate effectively with all levels of the organization. Planning & Strategic Support Assist the VP of Finance with budgeting, forecasting, and special projects as required. Support business initiatives with sound financial analysis and insight. Qualifications & Competencies Education & Certification Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required. CPA or CMA strongly preferred. Experience 7+ years of professional accounting experience - manufacturing experience preferred. Demonstrated experience with multi-entity accounting and consolidated financial reporting. Prior supervisory or management experience required. Technical Skills Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, cost accounting, and internal controls. Experience with ERP systems; SyteLine / Infor experience preferred. Solid analytical, problem-solving, and computer skills. Personal Attributes Highly detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy. Hands-on, proactive, and comfortable in a fast-paced, privately held manufacturing environment. Trustworthy, ethical, and able to maintain strict confidentiality. Strong leadership presence with the ability to mentor, coach, and develop others. Demonstrated ability to learn new systems and absorb new information quickly. Independent self-starter who also works effectively in a team environment.