Financial Controller - MFG | ERP Exp. | NJ

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER-MFG

Full-Time | On-site

Avenel, NJ

Stambaugh Ness (SN) is partnering with ESSEX Fine Wood Finishing, an industry leader in custom hardwood flooring, in their search for a Financial Controller. Role oversees accounting, financial reporting, cash management, ERP administration, and operational finance functions for a private equity backed custom hardwood manufacturing business. Individual will play a central role in maintaining financial accuracy, supporting operational execution, managing banking relationships, and improving financial visibility across the organization.

The ideal candidate combines strong accounting fundamentals with practical operational judgement, ERP fluency, and the ability to manage a broad range of financial and administrative responsibilities in a fast-paced bespoke manufacturing environment. This role offers the opportunity to grow in scope and responsibility over time, with the potential to evolve into a senior financial leadership position as the business scales.

POSITION DETAILS

Skills & Competencies:

Technical & Operational Finance

• Strong accounting foundation with hands-on experience in manufacturing environments, including inventory, COGS, and cost flow
• Experience completing and managing a full month-end close, including reconciliations, accruals, and financial statement accuracy
• Working knowledge of financial reporting requirements, including lender/banking packages, covenants, and supporting schedules
• Proven ability to develop budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections (including short-term cash visibility planning)

Analysis & Business Partnership

• Ability to analyze financial data (sales trends, order profiles, margins) and translate findings into practical operational insights
• Comfort supporting leadership with decision-making through clear, actionable financial reporting
• Ability to balance financial accuracy with operational realities in a production environment

Systems & Process

• ERP/system proficiency with ability to manage data integrity, generate reporting, and improve financial visibility
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements across accounting and financial workflows

Cash, Banking & Risk Awareness

• Experience with cash management, bank reconciliations, and monitoring liquidity/borrowing availability
• Understanding of basic treasury functions and payment prioritization in a cash-sensitive environment

Execution & Judgment

• High attention to detail with strong ownership of financial accuracy and reporting integrity
• Sound professional judgment with ability to make practical decisions in a fast-paced
• Organized and self-directed, with ability to manage multiple priorities independently

Collaboration & Communication

• Effective communicator able to work cross-functionally (operations, leadership, external partners such as auditors, banks, and advisors)
• Ability to operate as a “hands-on” resource across accounting, operations, and administrative functions

Traits Leading to Success:

• Extremely detail-oriented
• Calm under operational pressure
• Comfortable making judgement calls
• Strong systems/process thinker
• Able to balance accounting accuracy with operational practicality
• Able to work across accounting + operations + HR + IT vendors.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered
• 5+ years of accounting experience, with exposure to full-cycle accounting and financial reporting
• Experience with ERP Systems, NetSuite highly preferred
• Experience in manufacturing, distribution, or similar operational environments a plus
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, adapt to changing priorities, and take ownership in a fast-paced setting.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

$125,000 – $150,000 annual base, depending on experience and skills.

Benefits & Other Compensation:

• Health, Dental, and Vision
• 401(k) with company matching dollar-for-dollar up to 6%
• 2 weeks of paid vacation per year
• Minimum of 8 paid holidays per year
• Annual discretionary bonus

ABOUT ESSEX FINISHING

Essex Finishing is a custom hardwood flooring manufacturer based in Avenel, New Jersey, specializing in privately labeled, made-to-order products for the wood products industry. The company partners closely with clients to develop tailored flooring solutions—from finish and color to platform and packaging—within a highly customized, inventory-driven manufacturing environment.

With one of the largest unfinished engineered inventories on the East Coast and a facility designed for complex finishes, Essex delivers high-quality products with responsive lead times. Backed by over 15 years of experience, the team is known for its hands-on, flexible approach and precision in execution.

ESSEX is an equal opportunity employer.