Manufacturing Finance Leader

Company Description

Expand Advisory is a premier leadership advisory firm focused on pharmaceutical and industrial manufacturing environments. The firm partners with Boards of Directors and executive teams to safeguard succession continuity and reduce human capital risk amid increasing global complexity. Based in the Research Triangle of North Carolina, its partners are former executive leaders from major pharmaceutical and manufacturing organizations, bringing deep global experience and strategic insight.

Expand Advisory provides services such as executive recruiting, succession planning, fractional CHRO leadership, global executive alignment, leadership development, and confidential advisory. The firm specializes in highly regulated industries, helping leadership teams in the United States and Latin America navigate multinational structures, cultural dynamics, and post-merger integration challenges.

The Controller is a full-time, on-site role responsible for overseeing day-to-day financial operations and ensuring accurate, timely reporting to firm leadership. This role manages general ledger activities, monthly closes, budgeting and forecasting, cash flow monitoring, and preparation of financial statements. The Controller will maintain internal controls, support compliance with relevant regulations, and coordinate with external accountants, auditors, and tax advisors. The role also includes developing financial analyses to support strategic decisions, monitoring project profitability, and advising on financial implications of client engagements and growth initiatives.

The Controller collaborates closely with partners and operations leaders to streamline financial processes and implement best practices suited to a boutique advisory environment.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in automotive manufacturing and a proven track record in plant finance leadership. Experience working within European-headquartered organizations is highly valued, including familiarity with European reporting requirements, internal control frameworks, corporate governance standards, and month-end and year-end close processes.

• Strong financial accounting and reporting skills, including proficiency with general ledger management, month-end close, and financial statement preparation.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial analysis in a professional services or consulting environment.
• Knowledge of internal controls, compliance, and risk management, with the ability to design and maintain efficient finance processes.
• Advanced skills in accounting and ERP or finance systems, as well as spreadsheet and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel or similar).
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities, including clear written and verbal communication with executive stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a remote setting, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines with high accuracy.
• Relevant experience supporting small or mid-sized organizations; familiarity with advisory, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing sectors is beneficial.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or equivalent professional certification is preferred.
• Required experience within the automotive manufacturing industry.
• Strong expertise in manufacturing finance, cost accounting, inventory management, and standard costing.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and business performance analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with operations leaders to drive performance improvements and cost optimization initiatives.
• Experience supporting European reporting structures, financial controls, compliance requirements, and corporate governance standards.