Controller

Vaco by Highspring; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring in Louisville, KY is seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting and financial reporting for a manufacturing organization. You will oversee the general ledger, month‑end close, and strong internal controls while partnering with operations to drive cost efficiency.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in Accounting or Finance (CPA or CMA preferred), 5–8+ years in manufacturing accounting, solid GAAP knowledge, cost accounting, and ERP/Excel proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA or CMA preferred)
• 5–8+ years of progressive accounting experience including leadership
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment required
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting
• Experience with cost accounting, inventory, and standard costing
• Proven ability to manage month-end close and internal controls
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Excel
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, hands-on environment

Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting & Close: oversee monthly, quarterly, annual close; prepare and review GAAP-compliant financial statements; maintain general ledger integrity; approve journal entries and reconciliations.
• Manufacturing & Cost Accounting: oversee cost accounting, inventory valuation, standard costing, variance analysis; partner with operations on production costs and margins.
• Internal Controls & Compliance: establish internal controls and accounting policies; coordinate external audits; oversee tax and regulatory reporting with external advisors.
• Leadership & Business Partnership: mentor accounting team; collaborate with leadership, operations, and FP&A to support strategic decisions and process improvements.

Job description

A manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Controller to lead its accounting and financial reporting functions. This role is responsible for overseeing the general ledger, managing the month-end close process, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and maintaining strong internal controls. The ideal candidate will bring a hands-on leadership style, a strong understanding of manufacturing operations, and the ability to partner cross-functionally to support business decisions and drive operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting & Close – Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial results; Prepare and review financial statements in accordance with GAAP; Maintain integrity of the general ledger and supporting schedules; Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and trial balances; Ensure accurate balance sheet and income statement reporting.
• Manufacturing & Cost Accounting – Oversee cost accounting functions, including inventory valuation, standard costing, and variance analysis; Partner with operations to analyze production costs, margins, and efficiencies; Monitor and improve processes related to inventory controls and tracking; Support budgeting and forecasting related to manufacturing operations.
• Internal Controls & Compliance – Establish and maintain strong internal controls and accounting policies; Ensure compliance with GAAP and company procedures; Coordinate and lead external audits and support internal audit processes; Oversee tax and regulatory reporting in coordination with external advisors.
• Leadership & Business Partnership – Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team; Partner with leadership, operations, and FP&A to support strategic decision-making; Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency and scalability; Provide financial insights and recommendations to support business growth.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA or CMA preferred); 5-8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership experience; Prior experience in a manufacturing environment required; Strong knowledge of GAAP, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting; Experience with cost accounting, inventory, and standard costing; Proven ability to manage month-end close and internal controls; Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Excel; Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills; Ability to operate in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan.

Equal Opportunity Notice

Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ('we', 'our', or 'Vaco by Highspring') are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable law. The company is also committed to ensuring that persons who need them are provided with reasonable accommodations; if an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [e-mail].

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.

Representation Notice

By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. Additionally, you agree to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. Lastly, you agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.

Privacy Notice

Vaco by Highspring respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

• California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
• Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
• Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
• Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
• Residents of countries governed by GDPR and UK GDPR may access our policies here.

Additionally, submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. More details about Vaco by Highspring's use of AI can be found here (https://www.highspring.com/ai-use-notices/). Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase will be conducted by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco by Highspring does not know and cannot opine on if its client's use of AI products in hiring.

Pay Transparency Notice

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:

• the individual's skill sets, experience and training;
• licensure and certification requirements;
• office location and other geographic considerations; and
• other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and/or participation in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's retirement plan (or similar retirement benefits).