Controller

Socket.dev; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Lift, a Lansing-based manufacturing company, seeks a Controller to own financial reporting, internal controls, and accounting policy development. You’ll lead day-to-day accounting, ensure GAAP compliance, and partner with leadership to drive scalable processes.

The role emphasizes building a strong accounting team, managing audits, and delivering timely financial statements with a collaborative culture focused on professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field.
• CPA license required.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible accounting and financial experience.
• 5+ years of demonstrated accounting leadership experience.
• Knowledge of U.S. GAAP, internal controls and financial reporting.
• Experience leading month-end and year-end closes and preparing statements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations and financial reporting.
• Lead and develop the accounting team with clear expectations.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Prepare and review financial statements and schedules.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and controls.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate external audits and liaise with outside partners.
• Coordinate tax schedules with external professionals.
• Oversee inventory, fixed assets, and capex accounting.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Financial decision-making

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

CPA license

Tools

ERP systems

Financial reporting systems

Job description

Controller

Air Lift, a third-generation family-owned company, was founded in 1949 in Lansing, Michigan. Air Lift supplies the automotive aftermarket with load assist products and performance suspensions for show and track. Our goal is to consistently provide products and services that meet and exceed customer's requirements and expectations. We do this by recruiting top talent and retaining them through our commitment to professional development and preservation of our culture.

Job Description Summary

The Controller is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of Air Lift's accounting and financial reporting activities and provides leadership for the accounting function. This role oversees day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, risk management, compliance, and the development of accounting policies and procedures.

As Air Lift continues to grow and evolve, the Controller will play an important role in building scalable financial processes, strengthening controls, developing the accounting team, and providing financial insight to support sound business decisions. The successful candidate will combine strong technical accounting expertise with a practical, collaborative business-partner mindset.

What you'll do:

• Lead and oversee the Company's accounting function, ensuring accurate and timely completion of all accounting activities and financial reporting.
• Manage and develop the accounting team, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes and continually identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Prepare, review, and ensure the integrity of financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and supporting schedules.
• Develop, implement, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, internal controls, and financial reporting standards.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and applicable financial, accounting, tax, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead financial risk assessment activities and continually evaluate the effectiveness of internal financial controls.
• Coordinate external audit activities and serve as a primary point of contact with the Company's outside audit and accounting partners.
• Coordinate preparation of tax schedules and information required by external tax professionals.
• Oversee accounting for inventory, fixed assets, capital expenditures, and other significant balance sheet accounts.

What you'll bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible accounting and financial experience.
• 5+ years of demonstrated accounting leadership experience, including responsibility for developing and leading accounting professionals.
• Knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, accounting standards, and internal controls.
• Demonstrated experience leading month-end and year-end close processes and preparing financial statements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify financial and operational risk and establish appropriate controls.
• Strong systems aptitude and experience working with ERP and financial reporting systems.
• Excellent leadership, within a manufacturing environment, preferred.

What we offer:

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Generous 401(k) with up to 8% company matching
• A supportive and inclusive company culture that prioritizes work/life balance
• Professional development to help grow your career
• Paid time off and paid holidays