Controller

Buckingham Search; Livonia (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation days

Company holidays

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Buckingham Search is seeking a hands-on Controller in Livonia, MI to own the U.S. accounting function during an integration and growth phase. You will manage payroll, GL, taxes, and controls while partnering closely with leadership to drive strategic decisions.

The role offers relocation assistance and extensive exposure to Swiss and German leadership, with a focus on scalable processes and strong internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field.
• 5 to 7 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally in capital equipment.
• SAP experience.
• CPA is a plus.
• Strong grounding in accounting and financial principles.
• Experience across payroll, benefits, and general ledger.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines with precision and accountability.
• Hands-on, proactive, and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Strong communication skills and ability to partner cross-functionally.
• Self-directed, dependable, and adaptable.

Responsibilities

• Own the full accounting function for the U.S. organization
• Maintain and reconcile the general ledger and bank accounts
• Lead payroll and benefits administration
• Manage accounts payable and core accounting operations
• Prepare and file sales tax, activity tax, and business entity reports across multiple states
• Prepare and file Canadian GST/HST returns
• Post monthly cost-plus bookings for Mexico
• Calculate quarterly sales and income tax estimates and coordinate estimated tax payments
• Partner with state and IRS auditors during audits
• Ensure accuracy, compliance, and timeliness across all financial reporting
• Actively improve processes, controls, and systems as the business grows

Skills

Advanced Excel

Cross-functional partnership

Payroll & benefits administration

Meet deadlines with precision

Self-directed

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field

CPA is a plus

Tools

SAP

Job description

Location: Livonia, MI (on-site) | Relocation assistance available

We are hiring a Controller to play a pivotal role during a period of integration, relocation, and accelerated growth. This is a hands‑on leadership opportunity for a Controller who wants real ownership, real influence, and a seat at the table as the U.S. organization scales.

Reporting directly to the North American Chief of Staff and partnering closely with the Global CFO, you will serve as the financial backbone of the U.S. business. This role goes far beyond reporting. You will be deeply involved in day‑to‑day accounting operations while also building scalable processes, strengthening controls, and supporting strategic decision‑making.

Responsibilities:

• Own the full accounting function for the U.S. organization
• Maintain and reconcile the general ledger and bank accounts
• Lead payroll and benefits administration
• Manage accounts payable and core accounting operations
• Prepare and file sales tax, activity tax, and business entity reports across multiple states
• Prepare and file Canadian GST/HST returns
• Post monthly cost‑plus bookings for Mexico
• Calculate quarterly sales and income tax estimates and coordinate estimated tax payments
• Partner with state and IRS auditors during audits
• Ensure accuracy, compliance, and timeliness across all financial reporting
• Actively improve processes, controls, and systems as the business grows

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field
• 5 to 7 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally in capital equipment
• SAP experience
• CPA is a plus
• Strong grounding in accounting and financial principles
• Experience across payroll, benefits, and general ledger
• Advanced Excel skills
• Proven ability to meet deadlines with precision and accountability
• Hands‑on, proactive, and solutions‑oriented mindset
• Strong communication skills and ability to partner cross‑functionally
• Self‑directed, dependable, and adaptable

Why This Role Stands Out

• True build‑and‑scale Controller role with ownership and visibility
• Direct exposure to Swiss and German leadership
• Clean mandate to modernize processes and strengthen controls
• The leadership team wants a hands‑on operator, not a passive reporter
• Long‑term stability paired with meaningful growth opportunity
• 4 weeks of vacation plus a company‑wide closure one week in December
• 9 paid holidays
• BCBS PPO medical, MetLife dental, and life insurance
• 401(k) with immediate eligibility and strong company contribution
• 6 percent match in year one
• 3 percent safe harbor plus 3 percent match thereafter