Controller

Great Lakes Forest Products, Inc; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Lakes Forest Products, Inc. in Elkhart, IN seeks a hands‑on Controller to lead accounting and financial operations. You will drive month‑end close, prepare financial statements, and provide actionable insights through cost studies and margin analysis.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast‑paced environment, leads teams, and improves processes while supporting strategic decisions. CPA preferred and manufacturing/ERP experience are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA preferred.
• 5–10 years of progressive accounting/finance experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and cost accounting.
• Manufacturing, distribution, or inventory-driven experience preferred.
• ERP system experience is required.
• Advanced Excel and strong analytical capabilities.
• Proven ability to lead teams and meet deadlines.
• Detail-oriented with problem-solving mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the month-end close process with accuracy and timeliness.
• Oversee preparation and delivery of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Conduct cost studies and profitability analysis to guide pricing decisions.
• Perform detailed margin analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Manage import activities including financial tracking and cost allocation.
• Oversee general accounting functions: GL, reconciliations, controls.
• Ensure inventory accounting and COGS accuracy.
• Develop and maintain financial reporting processes and KPIs for leadership.
• Identify inefficiencies and drive accounting/process improvements.
• Mentor and develop accounting staff to build a high-performance team.

Skills

Advanced Excel

GAAP knowledge

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Cost analysis

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance (CPA preferred)

Tools

ERP system

Job description

Compensation: $125,000 + (commensurate with experience)

Job Type: Full-Time

About Us

Join a stable and growing family-owned company where work-life balance matters. Our strong leadership, long-term vision, and commitment to sustainable performance create an environment where employees can thrive professionally and personally. We are an industry-leading supplier to the RV industry, proudly headquartered in Elkhart County, Indiana. With 500+ employees across 7 locations, we have built a strong reputation for quality, service, and long-term customer relationships. Our continued growth creates opportunities for talented individuals to join our team and make a meaningful impact across the organization.

Position Summary

We are seeking a driven, motivated, and hands‑on Controller to lead our accounting and financial operations. This role will play a key part in managing the month‑end close process, producing accurate and timely financial statements, and providing actionable insights through cost studies and margin analysis.

This position is ideal for a proactive leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, enjoys digging into financial data, and is passionate about improving processes while supporting strategic decision‑making.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the month‑end close process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and completeness
• Oversee the preparation and delivery of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Conduct cost studies and profitability analysis to drive operational and pricing decisions
• Perform detailed margin analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• Manage and monitor import activities, including financial tracking, cost allocation, and compliance support
• Oversee general accounting functions including general ledger, reconciliations, and internal controls
• Ensure accuracy of inventory accounting and cost of goods sold
• Develop and maintain financial reporting processes and KPIs for leadership
• Identify inefficiencies and lead process improvement initiatives across accounting and finance
• Mentor and develop accounting staff, fostering a high‑performance team environment

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred)
• 5–10 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including leadership responsibilities
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and cost accounting principles
• Experience in manufacturing, distribution, or inventory‑driven environments strongly preferred
• ERP experience required
• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage deadlines, and drive results
• Strong problem‑solving mindset with attention to detail

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package with performance‑based growth
• Stable, growing family‑owned company with strong leadership and long‑term vision
• A culture that prioritizes work‑life balance and sustainable performance
• Leadership role with high visibility and impact across the organization
• Opportunity to influence operations through financial insight and process improvement
• Collaborative, team‑oriented environment that values ownership and problem solving