Controller

KLR Executive Search Group is partnering with Vantage Lighting, a well-established lighting manufacturer based in East Providence (Rumford), Rhode Island, to identify its next Controller. This is a key financial and operational leadership position with responsibility for the Company’s accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, and manufacturing cost accounting. The Controller will serve as a hands-on leader within the organization, partnering closely with Operations and executive leadership while providing financial oversight across Vantage’s manufacturing and retail showroom businesses.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the accounting and finance function and establish strong processes, accountability, and reporting disciplines.
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes and prepare accurate and timely financial statements and management reporting.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and variance reporting.
• Oversee Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, general ledger, fixed assets, reconciliations, and related accounting controls.
• Provide financial oversight of inventory and manufacturing accounting, including inventory valuation, production costs, COGS, margin analysis, cycle counts, and significant inventory variances.
• Partner closely with Operations to evaluate production costs, profitability, inventory performance, and other key operating metrics.
• Oversee and collaborate with finance personnel supporting the Company’s retail showroom operations in Charleston, South Carolina and Augusta, Georgia.

Key Qualifications:

• 7–10+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong hands-on accounting background with experience managing month-end and year-end close, financial reporting, general ledger, AP/AR, and fixed assets.
• Manufacturing accounting experience, including a solid understanding of inventory and cost accounting.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience working with ERP/accounting systems.
• Hands-on, collaborative leadership style with the ability to operate effectively in a smaller, entrepreneurial organization.
• Ability to balance strong technical accounting skills with the interpersonal presence necessary to serve as a key leader within the Rumford operation.

Compensation:

The expected base salary range for this position is $130,000–$140,000, plus a performance-based bonus opportunity, along with an employer-contributed ICHRA medical plan and ancillary benefits effective on the first day of employment, paid time off, sick time, and participation in the Company’s 401(k) plan.