Controller

Aalchem; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Aalchem, a leading wholesale chemical distributor headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, seeks an experienced Controller to lead our accounting and financial operations. You will oversee financial reporting, budgeting, inventory costing, cash management, compliance, and internal controls to enable business growth.

You will drive process improvements, build a high-performing team, and partner with leaders across the business to support Aalchem's long-term success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, cost accounting, and tax compliance.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing or distribution highly desirable.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership abilities.
• Strategic thinking with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage complexity and drive process improvements.
• Strong interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Provide meaningful and relevant analysis of financial performance and key operating metrics; providing actionable information
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.
• Oversee audits and maintain strong internal controls to mitigate risk.
• Develop annual budgets and rolling forecasts; monitor variances and provide actionable insights.
• Conduct financial modeling and scenario analysis to support strategic planning.
• Manage inventory costing and analysis for chemical products.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Monitor cash positions and funding requirements; manage debt and banking relationships.
• Implement risk management strategies and ensure liquidity for operations.
• Lead, manage, and inspire a team of 6 (5 accounting staff and 1 receptionist) and develop staff.
• Streamline financial processes and introduce automation or ERP enhancements.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes.

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

Budgeting & forecasting

Internal controls

Process improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Strategic thinking

Resilience under pressure

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Job description

Aalchem is a leading wholesale chemical distributor headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Since 2002, the company has built a reputation for providing top-quality chemical products, customized solutions, and exceptional customer service to manufacturers and businesses throughout North America. Aalchem serves a diverse range of industries, including paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, plastics, composites, graphic arts, and specialty manufacturing.

Known for its entrepreneurial spirit, strong industry partnerships, and commitment to customer success, Aalchem combines technical expertise with responsive service to deliver innovative chemical solutions. The company continues to grow through strategic supplier relationships, operational excellence, and a dedicated team focused on meeting customer needs.

Position Summary

Aalchem is seeking an experienced and strategic Controller to lead the company's accounting and financial operations. As a key member of the leadership team, the Controller will oversee financial reporting, budgeting, inventory and cost accounting, cash management, compliance, and internal controls while providing financial insights that support business growth and operational decision‑making.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing organization by driving process improvements, developing a high-performing team, and partnering with leaders across the business to support Aalchem's long-term success.

Core Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Provide meaningful and relevant analysis of financial performance and key operating metrics; providing actionable information
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.
• Oversee audits and maintain strong internal controls to mitigate risk.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis:

• Develop annual budgets and rolling forecasts; monitor variances and provide actionable insights.
• Conduct financial modeling and scenario analysis to support strategic planning.

Cost & Inventory Management:

• Manage inventory costing and analysis for chemical products.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.

Cash Flow & Risk Management:

• Monitor cash positions and funding requirements; manage debt and banking relationships.
• Implement risk management strategies and ensure liquidity for operations.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Lead, manage, and inspire a team of 6 (5 accounting staff and 1 receptionist), ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities.
• Provide strong leadership by setting clear goals, monitoring performance, and fostering a culture of accountability and engagement.
• Recruit, train, and continuously develop team members to meet evolving business needs and support career growth.
• Motivate and coach staff to achieve excellence, encouraging collaboration and professional development.

Process Improvement & Technology:

• Streamline financial processes and introduce automation or ERP enhancements.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, cost accounting, and tax compliance.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing or distribution highly desirable.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership abilities.
• Strategic thinking with attention to detail
• Ability to manage complexity and drive process improvements
• Strong interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration
• Ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams effectively
• High emotional intelligence and empathy in leadership
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
• Resilience under pressure and adaptability to change
• Demonstrates resilience and maintains professionalism when navigating complex stakeholder dynamics.