Controller – Manufacturing

The Opportunity

A well-established, privately held manufacturing organization in the Charlotte metropolitan area is seeking an experienced Controller to lead its accounting and financial reporting organization.

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for a hands-on accounting professional who enjoys operating close to the business. The Controller will oversee the company's core accounting functions while partnering with executive and operational leadership on financial planning, profitability, business performance, internal controls, and strategic initiatives.

The position offers significant exposure to senior leadership and a clear path toward broader executive finance responsibility as the organization continues to grow.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants more than a traditional corporate accounting role and is interested in becoming an influential financial and operational partner to the business.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of financial statements and management reporting.
• Oversee journal entries, account reconciliations, balance-sheet reviews, and general-ledger activity.
• Maintain the integrity and accuracy of financial information across the organization.
• Provide oversight of accounting activities across multiple business entities or operating units.
• Ensure financial reporting is maintained in accordance with U.S. GAAP .

Manufacturing & Operational Finance

• Partner closely with manufacturing and operational leadership to understand the financial drivers of the business.
• Provide financial visibility into inventory, cost of goods sold, margins, working capital, fixed assets, and operating expenses .
• Analyze manufacturing and operating results to identify opportunities to improve profitability.
• Support inventory accounting, physical inventory activities, reserves, and reconciliations.
• Provide insight into production costs and other operational performance indicators.
• Help business leaders understand the financial impact of operational decisions.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Lead the annual budgeting process in partnership with department and business leaders.
• Coordinate periodic forecasts and longer-range financial planning.
• Analyze actual results against budget, forecast, and prior periods.
• Identify financial trends, risks, and business opportunities.
• Develop meaningful KPIs and management reporting.
• Translate financial information into practical recommendations for executive and operational leadership.

Cash Flow & Working Capital

• Provide oversight of cash-flow planning and working-capital management.
• Partner with leadership to improve receivables, payables, inventory, and cash conversion.
• Monitor business trends that could affect liquidity and financial performance.
• Help establish appropriate financial metrics and accountability throughout the organization.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain and continually strengthen the organization's internal-control environment.
• Develop accounting policies and procedures that support accuracy, scalability, and accountability.
• Identify financial and operational control risks and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Coordinate financial audits and support external accounting, tax, banking, and other professional relationships.
• Ensure appropriate compliance with accounting policies and applicable regulatory requirements.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Evaluate existing accounting processes and identify opportunities for automation and greater efficiency.
• Improve reporting, financial workflows, and data integrity.
• Help optimize the organization's ERP and financial systems.
• Reduce unnecessary manual processes and improve the speed and accuracy of financial reporting.
• Develop scalable accounting processes that can support continued company growth.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop the accounting organization.
• Establish clear responsibilities, performance expectations, and accountability.
• Coach and mentor accounting team members.
• Build a collaborative, service-oriented finance organization that effectively supports the broader business.
• Foster continuous improvement and professional development within the team.

Executive Partnership

• Serve as a trusted financial partner to senior leadership.
• Present financial performance, business trends, risks, and recommendations in a clear and actionable manner.
• Support strategic planning and major business initiatives.
• Participate in evaluating investments, growth opportunities, and operational improvements.
• Provide financial information and analysis to support executive-level decision-making.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Approximately 5 + years of progressive accounting and finance experience .
• Previous accounting leadership experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or comparable role.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and month-end/year-end close .
• Experience leading budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and management reporting.
• Experience working within a manufacturing, industrial, equipment, or product-based organization .
• Strong understanding of inventory and other manufacturing-related accounting concepts.
• Experience supporting or overseeing accounting for multiple entities, divisions, or operating units.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to move comfortably between detailed accounting and broader business issues.
• Demonstrated ability to improve processes and strengthen financial controls.
• Strong written, verbal, and executive-level communication skills.