Controller

John M. Ellsworth Company; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Referral program

Vision insurance

Job summary

John M. Ellsworth Co., Inc. (JME) seeks a seasoned Controller to lead all accounting operations from the Milwaukee office.

You will ensure GAAP compliance, manage financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls while partnering with department leaders to drive efficiency and accuracy across the finance function. The role requires strong financial analysis, forecasting, and leadership skills, with hands-on experience in mid-sized organizations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• 3+ years of management experience overseeing accounting personnel.
• Experience in a mid-sized organization ($20M-$100M+ revenue range) preferred.
• Experience leading annual audits and financial statement preparation.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, sales tax compliance in multiple states, payroll, fixed assets, and cash management.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
• Ensure timely month-end and year-end close processes.
• Develop and maintain KPIs and financial dashboards.
• Coordinate annual audits and serve as the primary contact for external auditors.

Skills

Financial analysis

Forecasting

Budgeting

GAAP knowledge

Leadership

Team management

Internal controls

Verbal and written communication

Cross-functional partnering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Acumatica

ADP

Excel

Job description

John M. Ellsworth Co., Inc. (JME), headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a leading distributor of premium fluid management products. Since 1974, JME has served industries such as petroleum, chemical, agricultural, oil & gas, sanitary, food & beverage, and fire. Renowned for its unmatched product selection, JME delivers trusted, high-quality equipment, expert customer service, and fast delivery to ensure top customer satisfaction. With 50 years of industry expertise, JME remains an innovative market leader by continually adapting to customer and supplier trends. Our knowledgeable team takes pride in assisting customers in finding reliable solutions tailored to their unique needs.

The Controller is responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, and compliance activities for the organization. This role provides accurate and timely financial information to support strategic decision‑making while ensuring the integrity of accounting processes and compliance with applicable regulations.

The Controller manages the day-to-day accounting function and serves as a trusted business partner to department leaders across the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Direct and oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, sales tax compliance in multiple states and municipalities, payroll, fixed assets, and cash management
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports
• Ensure timely and accurate month‑end and year‑end close processes
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial dashboards

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Establish, maintain, and improve internal controls and accounting procedures
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Coordinate annual audits and serve as the primary contact for external auditors

Leadership & Team Management

• Manage and develop accounting and finance staff
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer service
• Collaborate with leadership to improve financial processes and operational efficiency

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience
• 3+ years of management experience overseeing accounting personnel
• Experience in a mid‑sized organization ($20M-$100M+ revenue range) preferred
• Experience leading annual audits and financial statement preparation

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of financial reporting requirements
• Advanced financial analysis, forecasting, and budgeting skills
• Comfortable operating within a fast‑paced business transaction environment utilizing state of the art ERP/accounting systems and financial reporting tools
• Industrial Supply Distributorship Business experience is beneficial, although not a requirement for this position
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgmentStrong leadership and team‑development capabilities
• Experience with ADP and Acumatica is a plus
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

In person, Milwaukee, WI 53224 (Required)