Controller

GHJ Search and Staffing; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High-visibility role

Ownership of accounting processes

Close collaboration with leadership

Job summary

GHJ Search and Staffing, the recruitment division of GHJ, is seeking an experienced Controller to lead its accounting and financial operations for a growing Dalton, GA company within commuting distance of Chattanooga.

The Controller will oversee full accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management and internal controls while partnering with leadership to deliver strategic insights and improve processes.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Previous Controller/Accounting Manager or similar senior role.
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead general ledger and month-end close processes.
• Oversee accounts payable/receivable and payroll.
• Prepare financial statements and management reporting.
• Drive budgeting, forecasting and cash flow planning.
• Maintain internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Partner with leadership to provide financial insights for strategic decisions.
• Coordinate external audits and compliance activities.
• Improve financial systems and reporting efficiencies.
• Mentor and develop the accounting team.

Skills

Strategic finance leadership

Financial reporting

Team management

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

GHJ Search and Staffing serves as the recruitment division of GHJ, a prominent national accounting and advisory firm. Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis across a broad range of industries. GHJ’s relationship with our Global Advisory and Accounting Network provides the resources needed to better understand client’s needs, attract a higher caliber of candidates and assess candidate potential.

Location: Dalton, GA (On-site) — approximately 30 minutes from Chattanooga, TN

A growing organization located in Dalton, GA, within commuting distance of Chattanooga, is seeking an experienced Controller to lead its accounting and financial operations. This is a high-impact opportunity for a hands‑on finance leader who wants to work closely with leadership, develop a strong accounting team, and help shape financial processes as the business continues to grow.

The Controller will oversee the full accounting function, including financial reporting, month-end close, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and internal controls. This role combines hands‑on accounting leadership with strategic financial analysis and offers the opportunity to make a visible impact across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead general ledger accounting and month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll processes
• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements and management reporting
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial analysis
• Develop and maintain effective internal controls and accounting procedures
• Partner with leadership to provide financial insights and support strategic decisions
• Coordinate audit and compliance activities
• Improve financial systems, processes, and reporting efficiencies
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting team members

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Previous Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar senior accounting experience
• Strong financial reporting, general ledger, and month-end close expertiseExperience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
• Strong Excel and accounting/ERP system skills
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA preferred
• Manufacturing, printing, or related industry experience preferred

Why Join?

• High-visibility role with direct impact on business performance
• Opportunity to take ownership of the accounting function and improve processes
• Collaborative environment with close partnership across leadership and operations
• Convenient Dalton location for candidates commuting from the greater Chattanooga area

#GHJSS

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.