Controller

Hardesty, LLC; California (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Controller position is with a fast-growing, private equity-owned manufacturing and importing company. The role will lead the Accounting function, own the close, financial reporting, and internal controls, and partner with the CFO to scale the financial infrastructure as the business grows.

Responsibilities include leading AR, AP, payroll, and close support; preparing monthly financial statements and management reports; maintaining robust internal controls; and driving operational

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• CPA or similar certification preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing, inventory, or importing sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Accounting team (AR, AP, payroll, close support)
• Own month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Prepare monthly financial statements and management reports for the CFO
• Maintain internal controls and ensure audit readiness
• Oversee payroll processing via ADP and GL reconciliations
• Identify process gaps and implement improvements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on inventory and importing operations
• Hands-on problem solver to elevate systems and capabilities

Skills

Excel

ERP systems

NetSuite/QuickBooks

ADP payroll

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA certification

Tools

ADP payroll

Job description

Our client a fast growing private equity owned manufacturer is looking for a Controller. The Controller, will lead the Accounting function for our rapidly growing manufacturing and import business. The Controller will own the month‑end close, financial reporting, and internal controls, managing a small but growing team and solving the “holes” that fast growth creates. He or she will work side‑by‑side with the CFO to shape the financial infrastructure and scale with the business, not just meet expectations, but add real operational value.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Accounting team (AR, AP, payroll, close support)
• Own the month‑end and year‑end close process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Prepare monthly financial statements and management reporting for the CFO
• Maintain and enhance internal controls, ensuring clean audit readiness
• Manage payroll (via ADP), reconciliations, and general ledger integrity
• Help identify process gaps; proactively suggest and implement operational improvements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support inventory accounting and importing operations
• Be a hands‑on problem‑solver who elevates systems and team capabilities

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Proficiency in Excel and ERP/accounting systems (NetSuite, QuickBooks, or similar)
• Experience with payroll systems (especially ADP)
• Strong leadership skills and a growth‑oriented, problem‑solving mindset
• Self‑motivated, flexible, and eager to contribute beyond “9–5”
• Experience identifying and closing operational/accounting gaps in fast‑growing environments

Education and Background

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• CPA or other relevant accounting certification (nice to have)
• Background in manufacturing, inventory, importing, or related industries preferred