Controller Lansing, MI

Controller Opportunity

Our client is a well-established and growing organization seeking an experienced Controller to join its leadership team as part of a planned succession strategy. This is an exceptional opportunity for a proven Controller who is ready to take the next step in their career and develop into a Chief Financial Officer within the next 2–3 years.

The organization is intentionally hiring at the Controller level to allow the incoming leader to learn the business, build relationships across the organization, assume increasing strategic responsibility, and ultimately transition into the CFO role.

The ideal candidate will already have Controller-level experience and a strong foundation across accounting, finance, and business operations. While the initial focus will be on leading the accounting and finance function, the role will progressively expand into broader financial and strategic leadership responsibilities. Over the next 2–3 years, the successful candidate will work closely with the current leadership team to gain a deep understanding of the business and prepare for the CFO transition.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day accounting and finance functions, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting
• Manage, mentor, and develop the accounting/finance team
• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes and financial statement preparation
• Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections
• Provide leadership with financial analysis, reporting, and recommendations to support business decisions
• Establish and monitor key financial and operational performance metrics
• Partner with leaders across the organization to improve profitability, efficiency, and financial performance
• Strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and financial processes
• Identify opportunities for automation, process improvement, and increased financial visibility
• Manage banking, insurance, tax, audit, and other external financial relationships
• Participate in strategic planning and long-term business initiatives
• Progressively assume broader responsibilities spanning finance, operations, and overall business strategy
• Work closely with the current CFO/leadership team as part of a structured succession plan
• Ultimately assume full CFO responsibilities, including strategic financial leadership and executive-level decision support