Controller

Ghj; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

GHJ Search and Staffing, the recruitment division of GHJ, is seeking an experienced Controller for its client in Dalton, GA. This high-impact role leads the accounting function, oversees financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls, and mentors the accounting team.

You'll work closely with leadership to drive financial performance and improve processes in a manufacturing-related environment within commuting distance from Chattanooga, TN.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, CPA preferred.
• Strong financial reporting, GL, and month-end close expertise.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis.
• Proficient Excel and ERP system skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience.
• Manufacturing or related industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead general ledger accounting and month-end close processes.
• Oversee AP/AR and payroll functions.
• Prepare accurate financial statements and management reports.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and analysis.
• Develop internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Partner with leadership to provide financial insights.
• Coordinate audits and ensure compliance.
• Improve financial systems and reporting efficiency.
• Mentor and develop accounting team members.

Skills

Accounting

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Forecasting

ERP systems

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree 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 inDalton, 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 expertise
• Experience 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

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