Controller/CFO

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic, operational, and hands-on Controller to spearhead our financial strategy and ensure robust fiscal management. This role demands a proactive individual with a proven track record of driving financial performance, implementing best practices, and navigating the complexities of a growth-oriented environment. The Controller will be instrumental in shaping our financial future, optimizing operational efficiency, and fostering strong cross-functional collaboration.
Key Objectives:

• Develop and execute the company’s overall financial strategy, aligning it with operational goals and long-term business objectives.
• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including accounting, financial planning and analysis , budgeting, forecasting, cash management, profit and loss, and risk management.
• Provide strategic financial leadership and guidance to the President and Executive Vice President, offering insights and recommendations to optimize profitability and efficiency.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of all financial reporting, adhering to relevant regulatory requirements specific to the manufacturing industry.
• Drive the development and implementation of robust financial controls and processes to safeguard company assets and ensure operational efficiency.
• Lead the annual budgeting process, working closely with operational leaders to develop realistic and achievable financial plans.
• Analyze financial performance against budget and forecasts, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions to improve profitability and cost management.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, insurance providers, and other financial partners.
• Evaluate and manage capital expenditure projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and maximizing return on investment.
• Provide financial oversight for inventory management, production costing, and supply chain finance.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks specific to the manufacturing industry, such as commodity price fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and inventory obsolescence.
• Lead and mentor the finance and accounting team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Support Human Resources with financial data and analysis related to payroll, benefits, compensation planning, and budgeting.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive financial planning and analysis reports, providing insights into key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to manufacturing operations (e.g., cost of goods sold, gross margin, inventory turnover).
• Lead the development of annual operating, capital, and program budgets, incorporating input from all departments.
• Monitor cash flow and implement strategies to optimize working capital management.
• Manage relationships with lending institutions and negotiate financing arrangements as needed.
• Oversee the company’s insurance programs, ensuring adequate coverage for all risks.
• Implement and maintain a robust system of internal controls to protect company assets.
• Analyze manufacturing costs, identify areas for improvement, and implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Manage inventory valuation and control processes, ensuring accuracy and minimizing obsolescence.
• Evaluate potential mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic financial initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements specific to the manufacturing industry.
• Present financial results and forecasts to the executive team and the board of directors.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in manufacturing finance.
• Lead the implementation and optimization of financial systems and technologies (e.g., ERP systems).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required; a Master’s degree or MBA is highly preferred.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in financial leadership roles, with a significant portion of that experience within the manufacturing industry.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing cost accounting principles, inventory valuation methods, and operational finance.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing financial strategies that drive business growth and profitability in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex financial information to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.  
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to build and motivate a high-performing finance team.  
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and influence key stakeholders.
• Strong ethical standards and a commitment to financial integrity.
• Experience with risk management and internal controls within a manufacturing setting.

• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and decisive decision-making capabilities.
• Extensive and in-depth knowledge of:
• The financial industry
• Manufacturing industry practices
• Current market trends and economic indicators
• Advanced data analysis and forecasting methodologies
• Corporate financial law and risk management principles
• MRP/ERP systems