Vice President, Controller

Korn Ferry has been exclusively retained to lead a confidential search for a Vice President & Controller on behalf of a private equity-backed, multi-site manufacturing platform headquartered in New York.

Our client operates through multiple business units and is seeking a heavyweight, hands‑on Controller to strengthen the foundation, modernize controls, and build a scalable accounting and treasury platform.

With a strong brand portfolio and an established market presence dating back more than a century, the business is now preparing for its next phase of scale and value creation.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Vice President & Controller will serve as the enterprise accounting leader and a key partner to the CFO, CEO, Board of Directors, and private equity sponsors. This is a highly visible, hands‑on leadership role responsible for modernizing and strengthening the accounting and controls infrastructure while enabling continued growth and operational performance.

The VP & Controller will lead all aspects of financial close, consolidation, technical accounting, audit oversight, treasury partnership, shared services optimization, ERP enhancement, cost accounting, and acquisition integration. The role will supervise a team of business unit controllers and corporate finance professionals while building additional bench strength to support scalability and resilience.

This opportunity is well suited for a finance leader who thrives in a dynamic, decentralized, multi‑business‑unit environment and enjoys upgrading processes, implementing technology, and driving measurable improvement across a manufacturing platform. The role offers meaningful executive and investor exposure, the ability to shape the finance operating model, and the platform to materially impact enterprise value creation.

• Elevate and standardize monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes across multiple manufacturing sites, improving cycle time, accuracy, and reporting discipline
• Lead consolidation and management reporting processes, delivering insightful GAAP‑compliant financial statements and actionable executive reporting
• Develop and implement a right‑sized internal controls and enterprise risk management framework aligned with the company’s scale and complexity
• Partner with FP&A and business unit leadership on the annual budgeting and forecasting process, integrating strategic initiatives and performance targets
• Oversee treasury coordination, cash forecasting, bank compliance reporting, and working capital management in partnership with the CFO
• Drive ERP optimization and finance technology enhancements, including oversight of ERP implementation and automation initiatives
• Strengthen cost accounting methodologies, product and customer profitability analysis, and margin visibility across manufacturing operations
• Support acquisition diligence, purchase accounting, and post‑close financial integration of acquired businesses
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, tax advisors, banking partners, and other financial stakeholders
• Build, mentor, and scale a high‑performing finance organization capable of supporting continued growth and transaction readiness

• CPA required;
  Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; MBA preferred
• 10+ years of progressive controllership and consolidation leadership experience in a multi‑entity environment
• Strong U.S. GAAP expertise with deep knowledge of consolidation, external reporting, internal controls, and audit processes
• Manufacturing or distribution experience preferred; private equity‑backed experience helpful but not required
• Demonstrated success implementing process improvements and financial systems enhancements within ERP environments
• Proven ability to lead decentralized teams, influence cross‑functional stakeholders, and operate effectively in a growth‑oriented organization
• Strong communication skills with experience presenting to executive leadership, boards, and private equity investors