Controller

Our client is an organization in the Appleton area looking for a Corporate Controller. Our client is seeking an experienced accounting leader to oversee corporate accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls across a complex, multi-entity organization. Reporting directly to the CFO, this position will play a critical role in ensuring financial accuracy, strengthening accounting processes, and supporting strategic business initiatives. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with extensive accounting experience, strong manufacturing cost accounting knowledge, and a proven ability to manage financial operations through organizational growth and acquisitions.

The Corporate Controller will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct the organization’s accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with applicable accounting standards.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes across multiple entities.
• Oversee the preparation and consolidation of financial statements, management reports, and supporting financial schedules.
• Establish and maintain effective internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures.
• Partner with the CFO to support financial strategy, operational performance, and organizational growth initiatives.
• Provide leadership and oversight for general ledger accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll functions.
• Manage accounting activities across multiple states and legal entities, ensuring consistency and accuracy in financial reporting.
• Oversee manufacturing cost accounting activities, including inventory valuation, standard costing, and cost variance analysis.
• Collaborate with operations and manufacturing leadership to evaluate production costs, inventory performance, and profitability.
• Ensure accurate accounting for inventory transactions, inventory reserves, and related financial reporting requirements.
• Lead the development and improvement of accounting processes to strengthen financial controls and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate annual financial statement audits and serve as a primary contact for external auditors.
• Oversee tax-related accounting and compliance activities in partnership with internal resources and external advisors.
• Support treasury reporting, including cash flow analysis, liquidity monitoring, and financial reporting requirements.
• Lead accounting integration efforts for acquired businesses, including financial systems, reporting structures, and accounting procedures.
• Partner with leadership on acquisition-related due diligence, purchase accounting considerations, and post-acquisition integration activities.
• Evaluate accounting systems and identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and process improvements.
• Ensure timely completion of account reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reporting deliverables.
• Monitor compliance with GAAP, applicable regulations, and organizational accounting policies.
• Develop and maintain financial reporting processes that provide meaningful information to executive leadership.
• Provide guidance on complex accounting matters and ensure appropriate accounting treatment for significant transactions.
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting team members while promoting accountability and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with finance, operations, and other departments to improve financial visibility and support business decisions.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis initiatives in partnership with the finance team.
• Participate in special projects and strategic initiatives as directed by the CFO.

The Corporate Controller will possess the following:

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• CPA designation required.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive accounting experience, including significant experience in accounting leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing corporate accounting operations and financial reporting functions.
• Multi-state and multi-entity accounting experience required.
• Extensive manufacturing cost accounting experience, including inventory accounting, product costing, and cost variance analysis.
• Hands-on experience integrating an acquired business into an existing accounting and financial reporting structure required.
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting requirements, and internal control frameworks.
• Experience managing financial close processes, consolidations, and financial statement preparation.
• Proven ability to oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll functions.
• Experience managing complex accounting environments with multiple operating entities and reporting requirements.
• Strong understanding of inventory valuation, cost allocation, and manufacturing accounting principles.
• Experience leading external audits and coordinating with external accounting and tax professionals.
• Knowledge of corporate tax compliance, financial controls, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Experience supporting treasury reporting, cash management, and financial analysis activities.
• Strong background in mergers and acquisitions, including post-acquisition accounting integration and process alignment.
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and implement effective accounting procedures.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and developing accounting teams.
• Strong technical accounting skills with the ability to research and resolve complex financial reporting issues.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to partner effectively with executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to balance strategic financial leadership with hands-on involvement in accounting operations.
• Experience working with ERP systems and financial reporting tools; exposure to system integrations or implementations preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and the ability to analyze complex financial information.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a growing or evolving organization with changing business needs.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and results-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Equal Opportunity Employer