Job purpose

The Financial Controller will oversee all accounting and financial operations for a manufacturing organization, with a strong focus on cost accounting, inventory management, and production financial analysis. This role will play a critical leadership role in an upcoming ERP implementation, including data cleanup, process standardization, and system integration. The Controller will partner closely with operations, supply chain, and leadership to improve cost visibility, margin performance, and financial controls.

Duties and responsibilities

Manufacturing Cost Accounting & Inventory

• Maintain and oversee standard cost systems, including material, labor, and overhead rates
• Analyze variances (material usage, labor efficiency, overhead absorption) and provide actionable insights
• Ensure accurate inventory valuation, including WIP, raw materials, and finished goods
• Oversee cycle counts, physical inventories, and inventory reconciliation
• Partner with operations to improve cost accuracy, scrap reporting, and production efficiency

Financial Reporting & Close

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
• Prepare timely and accurate financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Manage general ledger, account reconciliations, journal entries, and accruals
• Ensure proper capitalization and depreciation of manufacturing assets

ERP Implementation & Data Management (Key Focus)

• Serve as finance lead for ERP implementation, working with internal teams and external consultants
• Lead financial data cleanup prior to ERP go-live, including:
  • Chart of accounts
  • Item masters, BOMs, routings, and cost data
  • Vendor and customer records
  • Inventory balances and historical transactions
• Define and test financial workflows (AP, AR, inventory, costing, production reporting)
• Support system testing (UAT), cutover planning, and post-go-live stabilization
• Develop documentation, controls, and training related to new ERP processes

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Lead annual budgeting and rolling forecast processes
• Develop product costing models and margin analysis by product, customer, and production line
• Provide detailed financial analysis to support pricing, capital investments, and operational decisions
• Monitor KPIs related to manufacturing performance, inventory turns, and cost absorption

Internal Controls, Compliance & Audit

• Design and maintain internal controls over financial reporting and inventory
• Coordinate internal and external audits, including inventory observations
• Ensure compliance with tax, regulatory, and reporting requirements

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Supervise and develop accounting staff
• Work closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and IT
• Act as a trusted financial partner to plant leadership and executive management

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• CPA, CMA, or equivalent certification preferred

Experience

• 5–8+ years of progressive accounting experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong hands-on experience with standard costing and inventory accounting
• Direct involvement in at least one ERP implementation or major system upgrade
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, Plex, IQMS or similar)

Skills & Competencies

• Deep understanding of manufacturing cost structures and variance analysis
• Strong data management and data cleanup experience
• Advanced Excel skills; strong ERP and reporting tool proficiency
• Highly organized with strong project management skills
• Ability to translate financial data into operational insights
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Working conditions

• Primarily on-site in a manufacturing or plant environment
• Additional hours may be required during month-end, inventory counts, and ERP go-live

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off and holidays