Controller; Manufacturing

Type:
Contract to Hire

Location:

Mansfield Area (onsite 5 days a week)

Contract Compensation: $70 to $85 per hour

We are looking for a hands-on Controller who understands manufacturing operations and knows how to translate financial data into better business decisions.

The successful candidate will bring a strong foundation in manufacturing accounting, inventory management, and cost analysis, along with the leadership skills to oversee the accounting function and work directly with the COO.

Candidates MUST understand manufacturing costs, inventory valuation, product costing, and the financial drivers behind operational performance. This is an opportunity to take ownership of the accounting function and make a direct impact on a growing global manufacturing business.

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets.
• Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Oversee inventory valuation, product costing, cost of goods sold, and manufacturing cost analysis.
• Analyze inventory levels, product margins, pricing, and cost variances to identify opportunities to improve profitability.
• Partner with operations to strengthen inventory controls, improve costing methodologies, and enhance financial visibility across the business.
• Maintain effective internal controls and ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records.

• Partner directly with the COO to develop annual budgets, financial forecasts, and business projections.
• Analyze actual results against budget, investigate variances, and communicate findings and recommendations to management.
• Provide financial analysis to support operational decisions, cost control, margin improvement, and business growth.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and strengthen overall financial performance.

• Coordinate external audits and financial reviews, working directly with the company's outside CPA firm.
• Ensure financial records are complete, accurate, and audit-ready.
• Coordinate tax preparation and filing with external tax advisors.
• Maintain compliance with applicable accounting, financial reporting, and tax requirements, including those related to international operations.

• Oversee the company's accounting systems and ERP environment, with an emphasis on accuracy, efficiency, and effective financial reporting.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, strengthen internal controls, and implement best practices.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aligned with lean manufacturing and operational excellence.
• Assist with ISO-related processes and certification initiatives as needed.

• Lead and develop the accounting team, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and performance standards.
• Work collaboratively with the COO, operations, and other departments to support business objectives.
• Communicate financial results, risks, trends, and recommendations to senior management.
• Maintain relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, banking partners, and other key stakeholders.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 8–10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including direct manufacturing industry experience.
• 3–5+ years of experience in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or equivalent senior accounting leadership role.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with manufacturing accounting, inventory valuation, and product costing.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and month-end close processes.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, and financial performance reporting.
• Proven ability to analyze manufacturing costs, inventory, and product margins to support operational and financial decisions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work hands-on while partnering directly with senior leadership and operations.

• Experience with SAGE ERP systems is strongly preferred. Candidates with comparable manufacturing ERP experience may be considered.
• CPA, MBA, or equivalent…