Controller

Bell & Associates, Inc.; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Bell & Associates, Inc. is seeking a hands-on and strategic Controller to lead the full accounting and finance function for a manufacturing company partnering with Bell & Associates.

This role balances day-to-day close with forward-looking financial strategy and acts as a trusted partner to operations and senior leadership. Responsibilities include managing month-end close, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, cost accounting, and government contract compliance (DFARS/FARS).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA or MBA preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Manufacturing and cost accounting experience required.
• GovCon experience with DFARS/FARS compliance is a strong plus.
• Semiconductor manufacturing experience is a huge plus.

Responsibilities

• Own the full accounting function including month-end and year-end close, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Oversee AP/AR, cash management, payroll, fixed assets, inventory, and cost accounting.
• Develop and maintain internal controls, policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Partner with operations and senior leadership with data-driven analyses and business cases.
• Lead and develop the accounting and finance team through coaching and performance management.
• Manage relationships with external auditors and regulatory agencies.
• Identify cost optimization, process improvements, and efficiency opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA or MBA preferred

Job description

Bell & Associates is partnering with a manufacturing company is seeking a hands-on and strategic Controller to lead the full accounting and finance function while serving as a key financial partner to operational and senior leadership. This is a highly visible role for a finance leader who can balance day-to-day execution with forward-thinking financial strategy.

Responsibilities

• Own the full accounting function including month-end and year-end close, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
• Oversee AP/AR, cash management, payroll, fixed assets, inventory, and cost accounting
• Develop and maintain internal controls, accounting policies, and standard operating procedures
• Serve as a strategic financial partner to operations, supply chain, and senior leadership — providing analysis, business case support, and data-driven recommendations
• Lead and mentor the accounting and finance team through coaching, development, and performance management
• Manage relationships with external auditors and regulatory agencies
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization, process improvement, and efficiency enhancements
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements including DFARS/FARS as they apply to government contracts, subcontracts, and purchase orders

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA or MBA preferred
• 8+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience required
• Manufacturing and cost accounting experience required
• Government contracting (GovCon) experience strongly preferred — familiarity with total time accounting and DFARS/FARS compliance a significant plus
• Semi-conductor manufacturing experience a huge plus
• Proven ability to operate both hands-on and strategically in a dynamic environment
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional partnering skills