Controller

GRIT STAFFING; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

GRIT Staffing is seeking a hands-on Controller to oversee daily accounting operations, ensure GAAP-compliant reporting, and partner with plant leadership to drive cost control, inventory accuracy, and financial planning.

The role requires 5+ years in manufacturing accounting, ERP experience (SAP B1 preferred), strong Excel skills, and a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams across operations, supply chain, and finance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related business field; CPA or CMA preferred.
• Minimum 5 years as a Controller in a manufacturing environment.
• Food & beverage manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• 5 years of proficiency with ERP systems; SAP B1 highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, FASB, accrual accounting, fixed asset accounting, and internal controls.
• Solid understanding of standard costing, inventory valuation, BOMs, variances, and cost accounting.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.
• Ability to prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and profitability analyses.
• Familiarity with general ledger reconciliations, month-end close, and audit support.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily accounting operations with accurate GAAP-compliant reporting.
• Manage cost accounting, standard costing, BOMs, variances, and inventory valuation.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and profitability analyses.
• Support budgeting and forecasting for manufacturing operations.
• Oversee inventory controls and cycle counts.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, supply chain, and plant management to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Maintain internal controls and audit readiness.
• Manage general ledger, reconciliations, and collections/credit activities.
• Support ERP improvements and SAP B1 reporting.
• Coordinate internal and external audits.
• Develop staff and mentor accounting personnel.

Skills

Manufacturing accounting

GAAP knowledge

ERP / SAP B1

Cost accounting

Inventory valuation

BOMs

Excel

Financial reporting

Leadership

Close process

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA or CMA preferred

Tools

SAP Business One (SAP B1)

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Role Overview:

The Controller is responsible for overseeing all accounting and financial reporting activities while partnering closely with plant leadership to support operational performance, inventory accuracy, cost management, and financial planning. This role plays a key part in ensuring compliance with GAAP, maintaining strong internal controls, and delivering timely financial reporting to support executive decision-making.

This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring extensive experience in manufacturing accounting, standard costing, inventory valuation, and ERP systems. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail‑oriented, capable of making independent financial decisions, and comfortable collaborating across operations, supply chain, production, and executive leadership.

Approximately 50+ hours per week (typically standard business hours; flexibility required), occasional travel to Clifton, NJ.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related business field required; CPA or CMA preferred.
• Minimum 5 years serving as a Controller within a manufacturing environment.
• Background in food & beverage manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of proficiency with ERP systems; SAP Business One (SAP B1) highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, FASB, accrual accounting, fixed asset accounting, and internal financial controls.
• Solid understanding of standard costing, inventory valuation, Bills of Materials (BOMs), manufacturing variances, and cost accounting.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.
• Ability to prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and profitability analyses.
• Familiarity with general ledger reconciliations, bank reconciliations, month‑end close activities, and audit support.
• Knowledge of collections, credit management, and financial process improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.

Personal Attributes / Skills:

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to build relationships across multiple departments.
• Self‑motivated with excellent decision‑making skills and the ability to work independently.
• High attention to detail and commitment to financial accuracy.
• Strong business acumen with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Professional, collaborative, and results‑driven.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work on‑site in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Occasional walking throughout production and warehouse facilities.
• Ability to travel occasionally between the Newark and Clifton facilities.
• Flexibility to work approximately 50+ hours per week as business needs require.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Financial Operations: Oversee daily accounting operations while ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with company policies and GAAP.
• Manage Cost Accounting: Maintain standard costing, review Bills of Materials (BOMs), analyze manufacturing variances, and monitor inventory valuation.
• Prepare Financial Reporting: Develop accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, profitability reports, and operational analyses.
• Support Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing financial forecasting for manufacturing operations.
• Oversee Inventory Controls: Validate cycle counts, physical inventories, and inventory valuation for raw materials, work‑in‑process, and finished goods.
• Partner with Operations: Collaborate with production, engineering, supply chain, and plant management to improve operational efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Maintain Internal Controls: Ensure compliance with GAAP, strengthen internal controls, safeguard company assets, and support audit readiness.
• Manage General Accounting: Oversee general ledger reconciliations, bank reconciliations, collections, credit approvals, and financial transactions.
• Support ERP & Financial Systems: Maintain financial system integrity, improve ERP processes, and support reporting through SAP B1 or related ERP platforms.
• Coordinate Audits: Work closely with internal and external auditors while providing documentation and supporting successful audit completion.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, financial controls, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.
• Develop Staff: Train and mentor accounting personnel on internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial best practices.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

GRIT Staffing & HR Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail] so we can assist you.