Controller

Position: Controller
Location: Onsite | Grand Rapids, MI
Base Salary: $110,00-$120,000 | Plus bonus

Are you a hands-on accounting leader who enjoys building processes, shaping strategy, and partnering with operations? An established international manufacturing and distribution organization is seeking a Controller to lead the U.S. accounting function and serve as the senior finance leader in the US.

This is more than a traditional Controller role. You'll be a key member of the U.S. leadership team, overseeing all aspects of accounting while helping strengthen and modernize the finance function. Rather than inheriting a fully built department, you'll have the opportunity to create structure, improve processes, and influence business decisions that drive growth and profitability.

As Controller, you'll own the full accounting cycle and serve as a trusted advisor to operational and commercial leaders.

Controller Responsibilites:

Financial Leadership & Accounting

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• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process.
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• Prepare accurate U.S. GAAP financial statements and related reporting.
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• Maintain the general ledger, chart of accounts, and intercompany accounting.
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• Deliver reporting packages to the global parent organization in accordance with reporting deadlines.
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• Manage fixed assets, depreciation, accruals, prepaid expenses, and reconciliations.
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Inventory & Cost Accounting

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• Oversee inventory valuation, standard costing, and variance analysis.
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• Account for imported inventory, including freight, duties, tariffs, and landed costs.
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• Partner with operations on physical inventories, cycle counts, and inventory controls.
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• Provide meaningful margin analysis to support pricing and business decisions.
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Controls, Compliance & Risk Management

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• Develop and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures.
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• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and federal, state, and local tax requirements.
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• Coordinate relationships with auditors, tax advisors, banks, and insurance providers.
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• Support customs and trade compliance activities alongside operational leaders.
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Strategic Business Partnership

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• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning.
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• Manage working capital and provide insight into liquidity and financial performance.
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• Translate complex financial data into clear business recommendations.
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• Collaborate with leadership to support strategic and operational decision-making.
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Systems & Team Development

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• Own the finance side of the ERP system and reporting processes.
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• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general accounting activities.
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• Build capabilities, processes, and scalability within the accounting function as the business grows.
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Controller Education and Desired Skills:

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• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
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• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
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• 3+ years in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or comparable senior accounting role.
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• Experience leading a complete month-end close and preparing U.S. GAAP financial statements.
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• Strong inventory and cost accounting experience within manufacturing, distribution, or both.
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• ERP experience, including reporting and month-end processing.
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• Advanced Excel skills.
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• Ability to thrive in a hands-on environment with a lean accounting team.
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• Strong integrity, judgment, and professionalism.
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• CPA and/or MBA is a plus
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• SAP or similar ERP experience.
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• Experience with imported goods, customs duties, tariffs, and landed cost accounting.
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• Success formalizing accounting processes and controls in evolving organizations.
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