CONTROLLER

Western Protective Solutions; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 135,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Protective Solutions seeks an experienced Controller to lead accounting operations at our Eugene, Oregon site, reporting directly to the CEO. You will ensure financial accuracy, strengthen internal controls, and drive process improvements, with an emphasis on AI-enabled workflows.

The ideal candidate will build and develop a high‑performing team, oversee month‑end close, financial reporting, cost accounting and inventory valuation in a manufacturing setting, and partner with Operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant accounting experience with leadership.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and cost accounting.
• Experience with manufacturing accounting, including job costing and inventory valuation.
• Advanced Excel and financial analysis with large datasets.
• Experience with ERP systems and accounting process improvements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop employees and manage performance.
• AI fluency and applying AI/tools to improve processes preferred.
• Multi-entity accounting experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Oversee accounting operations, month-end close, financial reporting, general ledger activities, and account reconciliations.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, cash flow forecasts, budgets, and key performance indicators to support business decisions.
• Maintain strong internal controls, financial policies, and procedures to ensure accuracy, compliance, and risk management.
• Oversee cost accounting, inventory valuation, overhead allocation, and cost of goods sold in a manufacturing environment.
• Partner with Operations and other departments to identify opportunities for improved financial and operational performance.
• Lead process improvement initiatives, leveraging automation, AI tools, and technology to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Evaluate and optimize ERP systems, accounting workflows, and reporting capabilities.
• Coordinate tax compliance, audits, and reporting requirements with external partners.
• Foster a collaborative, results-driven department that consistently delivers high-quality work and meets established deadlines.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

AI fluency

Multi-entity accounting

GAAP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

ERP systems

SQL

Excel

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: CRESCENT SSE - Eugene, OR 97401, Salary Range: $135,000.00 - $155,000.00 Salary/year, Company Overview

Western Protective Solutions (WPS) designs and manufactures mission-critical solutions built to perform in the world's harshest environments. Our family of brands serves the Emergency Services and Department of Defense markets, delivering innovative products and dependable protection when it matters most.

At WPS, our success is driven by our people, our commitment to continuous improvement, and a culture built on accountability, integrity, and teamwork.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Controller to lead our accounting operations and drive financial performance across our family of brands. This is a fully onsite position based at our Eugene, Oregon location, reporting directly to the CEO. The Controller plays a key role in ensuring financial accuracy, strengthening internal controls, improving processes, and supporting strategic business decisions.

The ideal candidate is more than a strong accountant—they are a proven leader who can build, develop, and inspire a high-performing team. We are looking for someone who sets clear expectations, fosters accountability, and creates a culture of ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

We also value innovation and adaptability. The successful candidate will embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to streamline workflows, improve reporting, and increase departmental productivity. AI fluency is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Oversee accounting operations, month-end close, financial reporting, general ledger activities, and account reconciliations.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, cash flow forecasts, budgets, and key performance indicators to support business decisions.
• Maintain strong internal controls, financial policies, and procedures to ensure accuracy, compliance, and risk management.
• Oversee cost accounting, inventory valuation, overhead allocation, and cost of goods sold in a manufacturing environment.
• Partner with Operations and other departments to identify opportunities for improved financial and operational performance.
• Lead process improvement initiatives, leveraging automation, AI tools, and technology to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Evaluate and optimize ERP systems, accounting workflows, and reporting capabilities.
• Coordinate tax compliance, audits, and reporting requirements with external partners.
• Foster a collaborative, results-driven department that consistently delivers high-quality work and meets established deadlines.

Qualifications: Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant accounting experience, including demonstrated leadership and team management experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and cost accounting principles.
• Experience with manufacturing accounting, including job costing, process costing, and inventory valuation methods.
• Advanced Excel and financial analysis skills, including experience working with large datasets.
• Experience with ERP systems and accounting process improvements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop employees, manage performance, and build accountability.
• AI fluency and experience applying AI tools or automation to improve accounting and financial processes strongly preferred.
• Multi-entity accounting experience preferred.
• Familiarity with SQL and database reporting preferred.

Our Core Values

• Compete To Win: We foster a collaborative, growth-oriented culture that leverages diverse strengths to out-compete rivals through exceptional products and market expansion.
• Embrace Change, Drive Growth: We cultivate a culture of adaptability and innovation to drive sustained business growth.
• Lead With YES, Figure Out HOW: We value optimism, innovation, and creative problem-solving to overcome challenges and find solutions.
• Personal Integrity: We believe integrity is the foundation of trust, collaboration, and our collective success.
• Accept Accountability: We foster a culture of ownership and responsibility where individuals take initiative and deliver results.
• Exceptional Customer Experience: We are committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences through collective dedication and teamwork.
• Celebrate Success: We recognize achievements and foster a positive, motivated, high-performing culture.

If you're a strong financial leader who enjoys developing people, improving processes, embracing innovation, and making a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.