Controller

SystemsAccountants; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SystemsAccountants in Milwaukee, WI seeks a hands-on Controller to lead finance operations during a period of transformation. You will oversee day-to-day accounting, strengthen controls, and prepare for a major ERP implementation.

The role focuses on scaling processes, improving reporting, and partnering with Operations to optimize manufacturing costs and inventory accuracy.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing accounting and cost systems
• Strong understanding of US GAAP and internal controls
• ERP implementation or system upgrade experience

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual closes with accurate reporting.
• Oversee inventory accounting, standard costing, and reconciliations.
• Serve as finance lead for ERP implementation and design future-state workflows.
• Strengthen accounting policies, controls, and reporting within ERP.
• Coordinate audits, tax compliance, and external auditor relationships

Job description

We are seeking a hands-on, operationally focused Controller to join our growing manufacturing organization during an exciting period of transformation. Reporting directly to the Head of Finance, the Controller will oversee day-to-day accounting operations, strengthen financial controls, and play a critical leadership role in preparing the business for the implementation of a new ERP.

This is an ideal opportunity for a proactive finance leader who enjoys building scalable processes, improving reporting, and partnering with operations in a manufacturing environment. The Controller will initially manage one Accountant while helping establish the finance infrastructure needed to support continued growth.

Financial Operations

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Review journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules prepared by the Accountant.
• Prepare and analyze monthly financial statements and management reporting packages.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and company accounting policies.
• Maintain the general ledger and chart of accounts.

Manufacturing Accounting

• Oversee inventory accounting, standard costing, and inventory reconciliations.
• Analyze manufacturing variances, production costs, and inventory movements.
• Partner with Operations and Supply Chain to improve inventory accuracy and costing processes.
• Support physical inventory counts and cycle count programs.

ERP Implementation & Process Improvement

• Serve as the finance lead for the upcoming ERP implementation.
• Document current accounting processes and design future-state workflows.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external implementation consultants on system configuration, testing, and user acceptance.
• Develop accounting policies, controls, and reporting processes within the selected ERP.
• Drive automation and continuous process improvements across the finance function.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Strengthen internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Ensure compliance with tax, audit, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate annual financial audits and serve as the primary contact for external auditors.
• Assist with sales tax, property tax, and other compliance filings as needed.

Leadership

• Build scalable accounting processes to support company growth.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Procurement, Manufacturing, Sales, and Executive Leadership.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning.
• Assist the Head of Finance with financial modeling and strategic initiatives.
• Provide financial analysis to support operational decision-making.