Controller

GRIT STAFFING; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

GRIT Staffing is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead accounting and financial reporting for our manufacturing operations, partnering with plant leadership to improve cost control, inventory accuracy, and GAAP compliance.

The role requires 5+ years as a manufacturing Controller, ERP experience (SAP B1 preferred), strong Excel skills, and the ability to drive month-end closes, audits, and budgeting in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or CMA preferred.
• Minimum 5 years as a Controller in a manufacturing environment.
• Food & beverage manufacturing background strongly preferred.
• 5+ years using ERP systems; SAP B1 highly preferred.
• Strong GAAP, FASB, accrual accounting, fixed asset accounting, and internal controls.
• Solid understanding of standard costing, inventory valuation, BOMs, variances, and cost accounting.
• Advanced expertise 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, audits, and collections/credit.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Financial Operations: Oversee daily accounting operations with GAAP-compliant reporting.
• Manage Cost Accounting: Maintain standard costing, BOMs, variances, and inventory valuation.
• Prepare Financial Reporting: Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual statements and analyses.
• Support Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead annual budgets and ongoing forecasts for manufacturing.
• Oversee Inventory Controls: Validate cycle counts, physical inventories, and valuation.
• Partner with Operations: Collaborate to improve efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Maintain Internal Controls: Ensure GAAP compliance and audit readiness.
• Manage General Accounting: Oversee GL reconciliations, bank reconciliations, and credits.
• Support ERP & Financial Systems: Maintain SAP B1 integrity and related ERP processes.
• Coordinate Audits: Work with internal and external auditors and provide documentation.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Improve accounting processes and financial controls.
• Develop Staff: Train accounting personnel on procedures and best practices.

Skills

GAAP

Financial reporting

Cost accounting

Inventory valuation

Leadership

Financial analysis

Excel

Internal controls

Budgeting & forecasting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA or CMA preferred

Tools

SAP B1

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.