Controller

Colt-Electro-Optics; Brighton (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Colt-Electro-Optics seeks a hands-on Controller to lead accounting and financial reporting in a manufacturing environment. You will manage close processes, cost accounting, and inventory valuation while partnering with Operations, Supply Chain, and leadership to drive profitability.

Responsibilities include budgeting, cash flow forecasting, variance analysis, and capital expenditure evaluation. Strong GAAP knowledge, ERP experience, and CPA are required for this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance required.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience.
• CPA certification preferred or active.
• Strong GAAP and financial reporting knowledge.
• Inventory and cost accounting experience.
• Budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis skills.
• Solid internal controls and process discipline.
• Advanced Excel and ERP system exposure.
• Ability to operate in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the company’s accounting and finance operations and monthly/quarterly close.
• Prepare IFRS/GAAP financial statements and consolidation packs.
• Develop management reports on revenue, margin, expenses, cash flow and profitability.
• Maintain internal controls and accounting policies.

Skills

GAAP mastery

Budgeting & Forecasting

Cost accounting

Inventory management

ERP systems

Excel proficiency

Financial analysis

Cross-functional partner

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA certification

Tools

SAP ERP

Job description

Position SummaryThe Controller is a key member of the management team responsible for leading the company’s accounting and financial reporting functions and ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial information.The Controller will oversee day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, internal controls, inventory accounting, cost accounting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll coordination, and financial compliance.Because this is a manufacturing business, the Controller will play a particularly important role in inventory valuation, standard and actual costing, gross-margin analysis, manufacturing variances, labor and overhead allocation, capital expenditures, working capital management, and operational financial reporting.The successful candidate will be both a strong technical accountant and a practical business partner who can work closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, Engineering, and executive leadership to manage profitability and financial discipline.Key Responsibilities1. Financial Management & ReportingLead the company's accounting and finance operations.Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements to include IFRS account mapping.Preparation of quarterly consolidation file which reconciles the movements in key accounts.Develop management reporting packages that provide clear visibility into revenue, gross margin, operating expenses, cash flow, working capital, and profitability.Establish and maintain appropriate accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.Ensure compliance with applicable accounting principles, tax requirements, and company policies.Provide financial analysis and recommendations to the CEO and executive leadership team.Identify financial risks, trends, and opportunities and communicate them proactively to management.2. Manufacturing & Cost AccountingOwn the company's manufacturing cost accounting processes.Maintain and analyze standard costs for materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead.Monitor actual versus standard costs and investigate significant variances.Analyze product-level and customer-level profitability.Oversee inventory valuation and reconciliation, including raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods.Work with Operations and Supply Chain to improve inventory accuracy and reduce excess and obsolete inventory.Establish appropriate methodologies for allocating manufacturing overhead.Monitor manufacturing labor efficiency, material usage, scrap, yield, and other operational cost metrics.Support pricing decisions through detailed product cost and margin analysis.Provide financial analysis for make-versus-buy decisions, sourcing decisions, capacity investments, and manufacturing initiatives.3. Budgeting & ForecastingSupport the annual budgeting process led by the FP&A Director.Monitor actual performance against budget and forecast.Provide management with variance explanations and recommended corrective actions.4. Cash Flow & Working CapitalMonitor daily and weekly cash position.Develop and maintain cash-flow forecasts.Manage accounts receivable and accounts payable processes.Monitor customer collections and payment performance.Optimize working capital while maintaining appropriate supplier and customer relationships.Support banking relationships and financing activities.Monitor borrowing, debt obligations, interest expense, and covenant requirements, as applicable.5. Accounts Receivable & Accounts PayableOversee accurate and timely customer invoicing.Establish appropriate credit and collection practices.Monitor aging reports and collection performance.Oversee vendor invoice processing and payment schedules.Maintain appropriate segregation of duties and approval controls.Resolve significant customer and vendor account discrepancies.6. Inventory & Fixed AssetsMaintain accurate inventory accounting and reconciliation processes.Establish appropriate cycle-counting and physical-inventory procedures in coordination with Operations.Monitor inventory turns, aging, excess inventory, and obsolete inventory.Ensure proper accounting for tooling, equipment, machinery, and other fixed assets.Maintain the fixed asset register and depreciation schedules.Review and support capital expenditure requests and ROI analyses.7. Internal Controls & ComplianceDevelop, implement, and maintain effective financial controls.Ensure appropriate authorization and approval processes.Identify control weaknesses and implement corrective actions.Maintain appropriate segregation of financial responsibilities.Coordinate annual financial reviews, internal and external audits, tax filings, and other financial requirements.Work with outside accountants, auditors, tax advisors, banks, insurance providers, and other financial partners as appropriate.8. ERP & Financial SystemsServe as a key financial owner of the company's ERP and accounting systems.Ensure financial data is accurate, properly classified, and appropriately controlled.Work with Operations and IT to improve ERP processes and reporting.Identify opportunities to automate accounting and financial processes.Ensure appropriate system controls, user access, and approval workflows.Support implementation of improved financial reporting and business intelligence tools.9. Leadership & Business PartnershipLead, develop, and manage accounting personnel.Establish clear expectations, processes, and performance standards for the finance function.Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, Engineering, HR, and executive leadership.Help non-financial managers understand financial performance and the financial impact of business decisions.Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, cost discipline, and continuous improvement.Participate as a financial leader in strategic planning and major business initiatives.Key Performance IndicatorsThe Controller will be expected to establish and monitor meaningful financial and operational metrics, including:Revenue and gross-margin performanceProduct and customer profitabilityManufacturing cost variancesInventory accuracy and inventory turnsExcess and obsolete inventoryAccounts receivable aging and DSOAccounts payable and payment performanceWorking capitalOperating expenses versus budgetCash flow and cash conversionForecast accuracyMonth-end close performanceCapital expenditure versus budgetFinancial control effectivenessMonth-End Close ResponsibilitiesThe Controller will own the month-end close process and be responsible for establishing a disciplined close calendar. Responsibilities include:General ledger reconciliationBank reconciliationsAccounts receivable reconciliationAccounts payable reconciliationInventory reconciliationAccruals and prepaid expensesFixed assets and depreciationPayroll-related accountingManufacturing cost and variance accountingRevenue recognitionIntercompany transactionsFinancial statement preparationManagement reportingBalance-sheet account reconciliationRequiredBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.7+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience.CPA certification.Prior experience in a manufacturing environment.Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting.Demonstrated experience with inventory and cost accounting.Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.Strong understanding of internal controls and accounting processes.Advanced Excel skills.Experience working with an ERP system.Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.Ability to operate effectively in a hands-on, entrepreneurial business environment.PreferredInternational Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) experienceExperience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting manager.Experience with manufacturing ERP systems.Experience with standard costing and variance analysis.Experience supporting a company undergoing growth or operational transformation.Experience with financial systems implementation or ERP optimization.Experience working with external auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners.Experience in a privately held manufacturing company.