Controller

Buckingham Search; Livonia (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Buckingham Search is seeking a senior accounting leader to oversee U.S. financial operations during a phase of operational change and footprint expansion.

This on-site role sits at the center of accounting execution and operational finance, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and day-to-day financial mechanics while shaping how the function operates as the business grows. Based at a Midwest headquarters in Livonia, you will own core accounting activities, payroll administration, tax accounting,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related discipline.
• 5-7+ years of progressive experience in an accounting leadership role.
• Experience supporting payroll, benefits, and multi-entity operations.
• Hands-on ERP experience (SAP exposure strongly preferred).
• Advanced Excel capability and comfort working directly in the data.

Responsibilities

• Direct ownership of core accounting activities including general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, and period close.
• Administration of payroll processes and coordination of employee benefit programs.
• Oversight of cash activity, banking relationships, and account reconciliations.
• Preparation and filing of indirect tax returns across multiple jurisdictions.
• Support of cross-border transactions and intercompany activity.
• Coordination of statutory filings and regulatory documentation.
• Primary finance contact during external audits and tax examinations.
• Calculation and support of quarterly tax estimates and related payments.
• Management of accounts payable workflows and vendor payments.
• Review, refinement, and documentation of accounting processes and controls.
• Collaboration with leadership on financial planning, reporting, and operational analysis

Skills

General ledger

Payroll processing

Intercompany accounting

ERP (SAP)

Excel advanced

Financial reporting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

Tools

SAP

Job description

A privately held, internationally backed industrial organization is adding a senior accounting leader to oversee U.S. financial operations during a phase of operational change and footprint expansion.

This position sits at the center of accounting execution and operational finance, with responsibility for accuracy, compliance, and day-to-day financial mechanics, while also helping evolve how the function operates as the business grows.

This is an on-site role based at a Midwest headquarters and works closely with both regional leadership and global finance counterparts.

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Direct ownership of core accounting activities including general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, and period close
• Administration of payroll processes and coordination of employee benefit programs
• Oversight of cash activity, banking relationships, and account reconciliations
• Preparation and filing of indirect tax returns across multiple jurisdictions
• Support of cross-border transactions and intercompany activity
• Coordination of statutory filings and regulatory documentation
• Primary finance contact during external audits and tax examinations
• Calculation and support of quarterly tax estimates and related payments
• Management of accounts payable workflows and vendor payments
• Review, refinement, and documentation of accounting processes and controls
• Collaboration with leadership on financial planning, reporting, and operational analysis

Background That Fits Well

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related discipline
• 5-7+ years of progressive experience in an accounting leadership role
• Prior exposure to manufacturing, industrial products, or engineered equipment environments
• Strong understanding of U.S. accounting standards and transactional accounting
• Experience supporting payroll, benefits, and multi-entity operations
• Hands-on ERP experience required (SAP exposure strongly preferred)
• Advanced Excel capability and comfort working directly in the data
• Self-directed, detail-oriented, and able to manage competing priorities
• Clear communicator who works effectively across functions and cultures

What Makes This Role Different

• The scope blends execution and influence — you’ll own the numbers while shaping how work gets done
• Close proximity to decision-makers without excessive layers or bureaucracy
• Meaningful interaction with global stakeholders, not just domestic reporting
• Room to establish structure where needed without inheriting a rigid legacy framework
• A setting that values practical judgment and follow-through over theory
• Stability of an established business combined with active operational evolution