Controller

We are looking for a hands-on Controller to support a manufacturing organization in Plymouth, Wisconsin through a Contract position. This role will oversee core accounting operations, strengthen cost accounting practices, and deliver financial insight that helps leaders make informed business decisions. The ideal candidate brings strong manufacturing finance experience, works comfortably across departments, and can translate detailed financial data into practical guidance for operations and commercial teams.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the company’s accounting activities by managing the general ledger and driving a timely, accurate month-end close process.

• Build and enhance cost accounting practices within NetSuite, including defining appropriate costing methods and establishing meaningful variance tracking.

• Review inventory-related accounting, monitor production costs, and investigate gaps between expected and actual performance to improve financial accuracy.

• Create management reporting packages that go beyond standard financial statements, including analysis of labor efficiency, revenue trends, margins, and operating results.

• Partner with operations and business leadership to explain financial outcomes, identify cost drivers, and support better decision-making across the organization.

• Oversee day-to-day accounting workflows such as journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and support schedules while helping maintain strong internal controls.

• Coordinate with external partners on audit, tax, banking, insurance, and other financial matters as needed.

• Provide backup support for payroll processing when necessary to ensure continuity within the finance function.

• Demonstrated experience as a Controller or senior accounting leader within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in cost accounting, including inventory, labor, overhead, and variance analysis.
• Hands-on expertise with NetSuite, particularly in system configuration and costing-related setup.
• Proven ability to manage month-end close and produce accurate financial reporting in a deadline-driven setting.
• Experience developing financial analysis for leadership, including profitability, labor cost, and revenue performance reporting.
• Solid understanding of general accounting principles, reconciliations, accruals, and financial controls.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with operational and commercial teams and communicate financial insights clearly.