Assistant Controller

Accelerate Talent Group; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelerate Talent Group is seeking an Assistant Controller in Milwaukee to join a family-owned manufacturing organization focused on succession planning toward the Controller role.

The role combines hands-on accounting with strategic analysis and requires collaboration with operations, IT, and leadership to improve reporting and processes. 8+ years in manufacturing accounting and a strong GAAP background are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience in manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of general ledger accounting, financial reporting, and month-end close.
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and leadership abilities.
• Cost and inventory accounting experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day accounts receivable activities including cash application, collections, aging reviews, and customer account maintenance.
• Support accounts payable and payroll processing with backup coverage for key functions.
• Prepare journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements and operational reports.
• Support inventory valuation, product costing, and margin analysis.
• Investigate discrepancies and strengthen internal controls and procedures.
• Assist with audits, tax filings, fixed asset accounting, and compliance activities.
• Partner with operations, IT, and leadership to improve reporting and ERP utilization.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support business decisions.
• Gradually assume leadership responsibilities in preparation for promotion to Controller.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical ability

Advanced Excel

Cost accounting

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Position Title: Assistant Controller

Wage: Based on Experience

Are you a hands-on accounting professional ready to take the next step into financial leadership? Our client, a family-owned $25M manufacturing organization in Milwaukee, is seeking an Assistant Controller to join their accounting team in a unique succession-planning role designed to develop the next Controller. This position offers the opportunity to work side-by-side with the current Controller, gain extensive exposure to all aspects of the organization's financial operations, and ultimately transition into the Controller position within 2-3 years. The ideal candidate is a proactive and detail-oriented accounting leader who enjoys both hands-on accounting work and strategic financial analysis. You thrive in a collaborative environment, can communicate effectively with all levels of an organization, and are motivated by the opportunity to grow into a Controller role.

Assistant Controller Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day accounts receivable activities, including cash application, collections, aging reviews, customer account maintenance, and issue resolution
• Support accounts payable and payroll processing while providing backup coverage for critical accounting functions
• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules
• Assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes
• Prepare and analyze financial statements and operational reports
• Support inventory valuation, product costing, and margin analysis
• Investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies and transaction-related issues
• Strengthen internal controls, accounting procedures, and process documentation
• Assist with audits, tax filings, fixed asset accounting, and compliance activities
• Partner with operations, IT, and leadership teams to improve reporting, ERP utilization, and business processes
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support business decisions
• Gradually assume leadership responsibilities in preparation for future promotion to Controller

Requirements for Assistant Controller:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience with experience in the manufacturing industry
• Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, and month-end close
• Experience preparing and analyzing financial statements
• Experience using ERP and accounting systems and advanced Excel skills
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability
• Cost accounting and inventory accounting experience preferred

Why This Opportunity?

• Defined path toward a future Controller role
• Direct mentorship from an experienced Controller
• Broad exposure to financial reporting, cost accounting, operations, inventory, and strategic finance
• Opportunity to influence processes, systems, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Stable manufacturing environment with strong cross-functional collaboration