Division Controller

Business Unit Controller

Position Overview

Our client, a growing manufacturing company, is seeking a Business Unit Controller to lead the financial management and accounting activities for one of its key operating divisions. This individual will serve as the primary finance partner to business unit leadership and will have responsibility for financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, cost accounting, operational analysis, and internal controls.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing finance and accounting with the ability to operate both strategically and hands-on.

Responsibilities

• Lead the accounting and financial reporting activities for the business unit, including month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close
• Prepare and analyze monthly financial statements, management reporting, and operational results
• Own the annual budgeting and forecasting process for the business unit
• Partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Sales, and senior leadership to drive financial performance
• Analyze revenue, gross margin, manufacturing costs, labor, overhead, inventory, and operating expenses
• Provide financial analysis around pricing, product profitability, customer profitability, and business initiatives
• Oversee standard costing, inventory valuation, cost variances, and manufacturing performance
• Monitor key operational and financial KPIs and identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• Develop forecasts and financial models to support strategic decision-making
• Support capital expenditure analysis and track ROI on major investments
• Ensure accurate accounting for inventory, fixed assets, accruals, and other balance sheet accounts
• Strengthen internal controls, financial processes, and reporting procedures
• Partner with Corporate Accounting and Finance on consolidations, audits, and financial reporting requirements
• Drive process improvements and identify opportunities to automate and streamline financial processes
• Support ERP enhancements, implementations, and other finance-related systems initiatives
• Lead, mentor, and develop members of the accounting and finance team
• Assist senior leadership with special projects, strategic initiatives, and operational improvement efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 8+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience
• Prior experience within a manufacturing, industrial, distribution, or similar operating environment
• Strong understanding of manufacturing accounting, cost accounting, inventory, and standard costing
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and operational FP&A
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and internal controls
• Ability to partner effectively with both finance and operational leadership
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills
• CPA and/or MBA preferred
• Previous leadership or team management experience strongly preferred

Ideal Background

The ideal candidate will have a blend of controllership, cost accounting, and operational finance experience and will be comfortable working directly with manufacturing leadership. This person should be able to understand what is happening on the plant floor, translate operational activity into financial results, and use data to help the business improve profitability and performance.