Controller - Privately Held Manufacturer (< $100M Revenue)
An established, growing privately held manufacturer in the Rockford area is seeking a dynamic, business-minded Controller to lead all daily accounting and finance operations.
If you are an Accounting Manager looking to step up into a top seat, or an experienced Controller who thrives in a collaborative, close-knit environment, this is your chance to make a tangible impact. This role balances high-level strategic financial oversight with active, day-to-day engagement, partnering directly with ownership and department leaders to support steady business growth.
- Great Culture: Join a supportive, collaborative, and highly focused team environment that values teamwork and transparency.
- Stable & Modern Environment: Combine decades of reliable industry expertise with modern, user-friendly technology infrastructure.
- Rich Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive package, including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, a 401(k) with company match, and a generous PTO and paid holiday schedule.
Financial Leadership & Analysis
- Provide accurate and timely financial reporting directly to ownership and executive leadership.
- Analyze financial performance, operational trends, and key business metrics to uncover margins.
- Develop proactive recommendations that optimize profitability, cash flow, and overall operational decision-making.
- Partner cross-functionally with department leaders to evaluate costs and business performance.
Financial Reporting & Close Management
- Lead and manage the entire monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
- Prepare and review consolidated financial statements and supporting schedules in compliance with GAAP.
- Analyze and clearly explain budget-to-actual variances and unexpected financial results.
Accounting Operations Oversight
- Oversee Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger, and payroll accounting functions.
- Review account reconciliations, journal entries, and supporting documentation to ensure absolute data integrity.
- Establish consistency across accounting workflows and implement internal financial controls.
Compliance, Controls & Tax Support
- Coordinate annual reviews, external audits, and documentation requests from external partners.
- Oversee sales tax reconciliations and support ongoing regional regulatory filing requirements.
- Partner with the company’s Corporate CPA firm, who manages corporate tax filings and serves as a consultative resource for complex matters.
Inventory & Cost Accounting
- Oversee inventory valuation, material adjustments, and related manufacturing accounting processes.
- Monitor job costing and profitability by client, project, and product line.
- Identify operational opportunities to improve data visibility and system tracking across the plant floor.
Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop a dedicated internal accounting team.
- Establish clear expectations, drive accountability, and provide daily coaching.
- Foster a workplace culture centered on ownership, accuracy, and continuous process improvement.
Benefits include insurance, vacation, holiday pay, 401K and more
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in accounting or finance, with leadership responsibility in roles such as Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or Senior Accountant.
• Strong background in month-end and year-end close, financial reporting, and financial statement preparation in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and analytical review of financial performance.
• Advanced Excel capabilities, including the use of formulas, lookups, pivot tables, and data analysis tools.
• Proficiency with accounting software; experience with Zoho Books is preferred.
• Experience supporting privately held companies is preferred, particularly in manufacturing, printing, promotional products, fulfillment, distribution, or job-costing environments.
