Controller

NextPlay Jobs; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NextPlay Jobs in West Michigan is seeking an experienced Controller to lead its accounting and finance function onsite.

You will work directly with senior leadership, manage an established accounting team, and own the close, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and internal controls while pursuing improvements in processes and systems to better the business. The role blends strategic oversight with hands-on involvement for growth and profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Manufacturing accounting experience with controller-level responsibilities preferred.
• Strong GAAP knowledge and experience with budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting and finance, including close, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and internal controls.
• Oversee manufacturing and cost accounting.
• Lead and develop the accounting team.
• Provide insight into margins, profitability, working capital, and overall business performance.
• Partner with leadership on financial and operational decisions.
• Improve financial processes, reporting, and systems.
• Manage relationships with external accounting and financial partners.

Skills

Manufacturing accounting

Controller-level experience

Cost accounting

Team leadership

GAAP knowledge

Strategic thinking

Process improvement

ERP implementation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

We’re partnering with an established West Michigan manufacturer looking for a hands‑on Controller to lead its accounting and finance function.

This person will work directly with senior leadership, manage an established accounting team, and have a real voice in how the business operates.

They’re looking for someone who can handle the day‑to‑day accounting responsibilities while also spotting opportunities to improve reporting, systems, and processes.

What You’ll Do

• Lead accounting and finance, including close, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and internal controls
• Oversee manufacturing and cost accounting
• Lead and develop the accounting team
• Provide insight into margins, profitability, working capital, and overall business performance
• Partner with leadership on financial and operational decisions
• Improve financial processes, reporting, and systems
• Manage relationships with external accounting and financial partners

What We’re Looking For

• Manufacturing accounting experience
• Controller-level experience
• Strong cost accounting knowledge
• Experience leading and developing a team
• Strong understanding of GAAP, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and controls
• A history of improving processes
• Someone who can think strategically and still stay close to the details
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• ESOP experience is highly preferred.
• Previous international operations experience, ERP improvement experience, and a CPA or CMA would also be valuable.

This is a strong opportunity for an experienced Controller who wants more visibility, more influence, and room to grow into a broader finance leadership role.

The position is onsite in West Michigan, with reasonable flexibility when life happens.