Controller, Accounting, Financial Compliance

A growing food manufacturing company is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee all accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal control functions. The Controller will serve as a key member of the leadership team, providing financial guidance to support strategic decision-making, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining compliance with GAAP, and developing processes that support a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and inventory accounting.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes.
• Maintain compliance with GAAP and other applicable financial regulations.
• Develop and present financial reports, forecasts, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to executive leadership.

Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Finance

• Manage standard costing, inventory valuation, and variance analysis.
• Analyze manufacturing costs, labor utilization, overhead expenses, and production efficiencies.
• Partner with operations leadership to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve profitability.
• Monitor inventory controls and coordinate physical inventory counts and reconciliations.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process.
• Develop financial models to support business planning and capital investment decisions.
• Monitor actual performance against budget and provide actionable recommendations.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Establish and maintain strong internal controls and accounting policies.
• Coordinate external audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.
• Manage relationships with external auditors, banking partners, and other financial service providers.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting and finance team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, Human Resources, and Executive Leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA and/or MBA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Prior experience in food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or a manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting, inventory management, and manufacturing financial systems.
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present financial information to executive leadership.

Preferred Experience

• Food manufacturing, beverage manufacturing, nutraceutical, ingredient, bakery, dairy, protein, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries.
• Multi-site manufacturing operations.
• ERP implementation or optimization experience.
• Private equity-backed or high-growth company experience.
• Annual bonus opportunity
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Career growth opportunities within a growing organization

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on finance leader who combines strong technical accounting expertise with strategic business acumen. They thrive in a manufacturing environment, understand inventory and cost accounting complexities, and can provide financial insights that drive operational performance and business growth.