Assistant Financial Controller

The Hartz Mountain Corporation; Secaucus (NJ); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Pet-friendly culture

401(k) match with immediate vesting

Paid time off up to 34 days annually

Parental/Bereavement/Military leave

Comprehensive health coverage (medical

Dental

Vision

Wellness programs

Job summary

Hartz Mountain Corporation seeks an Assistant Controller with a strong manufacturing accounting background to join our Secaucus, NJ Finance team. You will partner with the Controller to supervise month-end close, cost accounting, inventory control and financial analysis, ensuring IFRS/US GAAP compliance and robust internal controls.

This role focuses on leading a high-performing team, driving cost-efficient initiatives with operations and supply chain, and improving procedures through automation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA or CMA required.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with 2–3 years in manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS or US GAAP and internal controls; J-SOX a plus.
• Experience with ERP systems (Oracle ERP preferred) and BI tools (IBM Cognos TM1).
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Willingness to travel domestically.

Responsibilities

• Oversee month-end close, including manufacturing close and cost recording.
• Prepare reconciliations and variance analyses for manufacturing and supply chain.
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance and support corrective actions.
• Ensure IFRS/US GAAP compliant reporting and strong internal controls.
• Manage external and internal audits and tax engagements.
• Support annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.
• Lead cost accounting activities including standard costing and variance analysis.
• Prepare management reports and dashboards for leadership.

Skills

Manufacturing accounting

Cost accounting

Financial analysis

Budgeting

People management

Internal controls

Communication skills

SOX/J-SOX experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA or CMA

Tools

Oracle ERP

IBM Cognos TM1

Microsoft Excel

Job description

For over 100 years, Hartz has been driven by one belief: pets make life better. That belief fuels our commitment to creating innovative, trusted products that strengthen the bond between pets and their families.

Our diverse team of passionate professionals continuously reimagine what pet care can be - working collaboratively to improve the wellbeing of pets everywhere. We’re proud to offer an inclusive, flexible workplace where employees are supported, valued, and empowered to grow.

At Hartz, the work you do matters - far beyond our walls. Join us and help shape the next chapter of pet care innovation.

What We Offer …

• Hybrid Work Schedule: Enjoy flexibility with 3 days in-office and 2 days remote.
• Pet-Friendly Culture: Bring your pet to work and enjoy a casual, inclusive environment.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Receive a generous 401(k) match with immediate vesting.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Enjoy up to 34 paid days off annually.
• Paid Leaves: Parental leave, Bereavement leave, and Military leave.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Healthcare FSA, and Mental Health EAP, basic Life insurance and Disability Insurance.
• Tuition Reimbursement & Career Growth: Access to tuition reimbursement and other learning and development opportunities.
• Employee Perks: Volunteer opportunities, fun employee events, and more!

The Role …

We’re seeking a highly capable Assistant Controller with a comprehensive accounting background to join our Finance team. This is a key role for a professional who brings both technical depth and a high level of operational expertise to our accounting, financial reporting, and compliance functions. As a direct partner to the Controller, you will provide the high-level oversight necessary to manage complex financial processes and support our corporate goals.

A strong background in manufacturing accounting is essential for success in this role. You will take the lead on critical processes like month-end close, cost accounting, inventory control, and financial analysis, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and alignment with IFRS standards. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a real impact by managing people, processes and systems while improving, automating, and streamlining procedures across the finance function.

If you thrive in a dynamic environment and excel at turning financial data into strategic insights, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact.

This position is located at our Secaucus, NJ corporate headquarters, and has the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule.

• Manage the monthly close process, including manufacturing close process and ensuring all costs incurred are properly recorded.
• Prepare and/or review account reconciliations, manufacturing and supply chain variance analysis.
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance, analyze variances, and support corrective action planning.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting in compliance with IFRS and company accounting policies.
• Manage external audits, internal audits, and tax engagements.
• Support annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.
• Perform financial analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Prepare management reports and dashboards for leadership review.
• Partner with operations and supply chain to drive cost efficiency initiatives.
• Oversee cost accounting activities, including standard costing, and variance analysis.
• Review cost estimates of new products for establishing selling prices.
• Oversee annual Cost of Sales budgets. Review annual standard cost roll.
• Manage annual audit process including cost of sales, manufacturing operation and inventory audit.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain and enhance internal control framework (J-SOX).
• Document and enforce accounting policies and procedures.
• Assist with compilation of certain information for preparation of tax returns.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee corporate tax compliance and reporting.
• Prepare the income tax provision and review returns prepared by the tax preparer.
• Review supporting tax documents prepared by the team.
• Ensure accurate and timely filing of federal, state and local income tax returns.
• Assist in implementing process improvements to strengthen controls and efficiency.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff, fostering high performance and professional growth.
• Work cross functionally with Manufacturing Operations and Supply Chain on key operational projects and cost accounting requirements.
• Lead monthly manufacturing and supply chain meetings with operations teams and leadership to support the growth of the business and share key cost findings.

You’ll Need …

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA or CMA Certification is required
• Experience: 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2-3 years in a Manufacturing environment; CPG environment is highly preferred
• Cost Accounting: Deep understanding of Standard Costing and Inventory Management
• Accounting Standards: Strong knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP), internal controls, and financial reporting requirements; J-SOX or SOX experience is a plus
• Tax Compliance & Reporting: Experience preparing income tax provision and review federal and state income tax returns.
• Manufacturing Reporting: Hands-on knowledge of Manufacturing financial reporting and close
• Financial Advisory Support: Prior experience providing financial support to senior leadership
• People Management: Experience managing and developing finance teams
• ERP System Proficiency: Experience working with ERP systems (Oracle ERP preferred)
• BPM System Proficiency: Experience working with Business Performance Management systems (IBM COGNOS TM1 preferred)
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with advanced Microsoft Excel skills (Pivot tables, v-lookups, and complex formulas)
• Business Travel: Ability and willingness to travel domestically

The anticipated salary range for this role is between $150,000 and $165,000. The specific salary offered will depend on the candidate’s qualifications and experience for this position. This role may also be eligible for an annual discretionary incentive award.

Hartz is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age or any other characteristic protected by law.