Controller

*Location:* Cerritos, CA*Employment Type:* Full-Time*Travel:* Occasional local and domestic travel*Reports To:* CEO *POSITION SUMMARY* The Controller is the company's primary financial control and accounting leader and is responsible for the accuracy, integrity, timeliness, and completeness of the company's financial information. This position oversees the company's accounting operations, financial reporting, general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, cash management, payroll accounting, inventory and job costing, budgeting, forecasting, tax compliance, internal controls, and financial analysis. The Controller ensures that financial records are maintained in accordance with US GAAP, applicable regulatory requirements, and company policies. The Controller provides management with accurate, timely, and meaningful financial information to support business decisions, operational performance, profitability, and long-term growth.The successful candidate will be a hands-on financial leader who combines strong technical accounting expertise with business acumen and a practical understanding of manufacturing operations, job costing, inventory, and cost control. This individual will work closely with executive leadership and operational departments to identify financial trends, improve processes, strengthen controls, and drive accountability for financial performance. *ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESFinancial Accounting & Reporting* * Direct and oversee the day-to-day accounting operations of the company, ensuring accurate and timely recording of all financial transactions. * Maintain the company's books and records in accordance with US GAAP and established accounting policies and procedures. * Review and approve significant accounting transactions, including cash receipts, cash disbursements, payroll, bank transfers, journal entries, inventory adjustments, accruals, and other financial transactions. * Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes. * Prepare and/or review monthly account reconciliations and ensure discrepancies are investigated and resolved promptly. * Prepare and review monthly financial statements, management reports, and other financial reporting packages. * Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger and subsidiary ledgers. * Establish appropriate accounting policies, procedures, and controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the reliability of financial information. * Coordinate year-end financial activities and provide information and support to the company's external accountants, auditors, tax professionals, and other advisors as needed. *Manufacturing Accounting & Cost Management* * Oversee inventory accounting and ensure the accuracy of inventory records, valuations, adjustments, and reconciliations. * Review job costing and job cost summaries to ensure materials, labor, overhead, and other costs are appropriately captured and allocated. * Analyze manufacturing costs, margins, labor costs, material costs, overhead, and other operating expenses. * Monitor actual costs against standard costs, budgets, forecasts, and prior-period results and investigate significant variances. * Partner with operations, purchasing, production, engineering, and project management to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve financial performance. * Develop and maintain appropriate cost-accounting processes and reporting for the company's manufacturing and project-based activities. * Identify trends and unfavorable cost variances and recommend corrective or preventative actions. * Assist management in evaluating product and project profitability and pricing decisions. *Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis* * Lead the annual budgeting process in coordination with executive leadership and department managers. * Develop and maintain financial forecasts and cash-flow projections. * Analyze actual results against budget, prior year/prior month, forecast, and established financial targets. * Identify significant variances, trends, risks, and opportunities and communicate findings to management. * Provide actionable recommendations to improve profitability, cash flow, cost control, and operating performance. * Develop financial models, analyses, and reports to support strategic and operational decision-making. * Provide management with meaningful financial information and business insights rather than simply reporting historical results. *Cash Management & Internal Controls* * Monitor cash flow, working capital, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other key balance-sheet accounts. * Oversee appropriate controls over cash receipts, cash disbursements, bank transfers, and other financial transactions. * Maintain and strengthen the company's internal control environment. * Identify control weaknesses, financial risks, and process inefficiencies and recommend appropriate improvements. * Ensure appropriate segregation of duties and authorization procedures are maintained. * Review accounting processes and systems periodically and implement improvements designed to increase accuracy, efficiency, and financial control. * Investigate unusual transactions, discrepancies, or potential errors and coordinate appropriate corrective action. *Tax & Regulatory Compliance* * Prepare and/or oversee the preparation and timely filing of sales and use tax returns. * Coordinate with the company's independent tax preparer regarding quarterly and annual income tax filings and related information requirements. * Assist with other federal, state, and local tax, regulatory, and compliance matters as appropriate. * Maintain appropriate documentation to support tax filings, financial reporting, and regulatory requirements. *Accounting Systems & Technology* * Maintain the integrity and accuracy of financial data within the company's ERP, accounting, payroll, CRM, and related business systems. * Identify, investigate, and resolve accounting-system issues that affect financial transactions or reporting. * Work collaboratively with internal IT personnel, external programmers, consultants, and software providers to resolve system issues and improve functionality. * Evaluate opportunities to automate accounting processes, improve reporting capabilities, and increase efficiency. * Establish appropriate controls over financial data and system access. * Support ERP enhancements, upgrades, implementations, and integrations as needed. *Leadership & Staff Management* * Direct, supervise, and develop the accounting team, currently including the Junior Accountant and Senior Accountant. * Establish clear expectations, priorities, performance standards, and accountability for accounting staff. * Review work for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established procedures. * Provide training, coaching, mentoring, and professional development to accounting personnel. * Conduct performance evaluations and address performance issues in a timely and appropriate manner. * Partner with Human Resources regarding employee relations, performance management, disciplinary matters, and other personnel issues. * Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, confidentiality, continuous improvement, and teamwork. *Cross-Functional & Executive Partnership* * Serve as a trusted financial business partner to executive leadership and department managers. * Collaborate with operations, sales, purchasing, engineering, production, project management, HR, and IT to address financial and operational issues. * Translate financial information into practical business recommendations for non-financial leaders. * Provide financial guidance regarding expenditures, capital investments, staffing, pricing, project profitability, and other business decisions. * Maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding company financial information and other sensitive business matters. * Perform other duties and special projects as assigned. *REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSEducation & Experience* * Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. * Seven or more years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including significant experience in an accounting management or Controller-level role. * Demonstrated experience with manufacturing accounting, cost accounting, job costing, inventory accounting, or project-based manufacturing strongly preferred. * Experience managing and developing accounting personnel. * Demonstrated experience with month-end and year-end close, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. * Strong knowledge of US GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting requirements. * Experience working directly with senior management or executive leadership. *Preferred Qualifications* * CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional accounting designation strongly preferred. * Manufacturing or other complex operational environment experience is strongly preferred. * Experience with ERP implementation, enhancement, or integration projects. * Experience with inventory management and standard/actual cost accounting. * Experience with privately held or entrepreneurial organizations is a plus. * Experience working with external tax professionals, auditors, banking institutions, and financial advisors. *KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIESAccounting & Financial* * Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and generally accepted accounting principles and practices. * Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, financial statements, account reconciliations, accruals, fixed assets, inventory, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. * Strong understanding of manufacturing cost accounting, job costing, inventory valuation, and variance analysis. * Ability to analyze financial information and translate findings into actionable business recommendations. * Strong understanding of internal controls, risk management, and financial processes. *Analytical & Problem-Solving* * Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills. * Ability to identify discrepancies, investigate root causes, and implement sustainable solutions. * Strong attention to detail without losing sight of broader business objectives. * Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet time-sensitive reporting deadlines. * Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive financial information. *Communication* * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Ability to explain complex financial and accounting concepts clearly to both financial and non-financial personnel. * Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization, management, vendors, customers, professional advisors, and regulatory agencies. * Strong presentation skills with the ability to communicate financial results, trends, risks, and recommendations to senior management. *Technology* Proficiency with: * Microsoft Excel, including advanced formulas, financial modeling, pivot tables, and data analysis. * Microsoft Word and Outlook. * ERP/accounting systems, preferably *Abas* or a comparable manufacturing ERP. * Salesforce or comparable CRM systems. * Payroll systems such as Execupay or comparable platforms. * Sage, Peachtree, or comparable accounting software. * Ability to learn and effectively utilize new financial and business systems. *LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS* * CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional accounting designation strongly preferred. * Valid California driver's license with an acceptable driving record. *WORK ENVIRONMENT* This is a fully on-site position located within a manufacturing and corporate office environment.While performing the duties of this position, the employee may occasionally be exposed to moving mechanical parts, wet and/or humid conditions, outside weather conditions, fumes or airborne particles, chemicals, extreme heat or cold, electrical equipment, vibration, and other conditions associated with a manufacturing environment.The noise level is generally moderate in office areas and may be higher in manufacturing areas. Pay: $155,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) 4% Match * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Paid time off * Vision insurance Work Location: In person