Controller

CFS; Niles (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS in Niles, MI is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead all accounting and financial operations, partnering with executive leadership to ensure regulatory compliance and strategic insight.

The ideal candidate will build a high-performing team, drive process improvements, and oversee budgeting, audits, and treasury activities to support growth, including grants accounting where applicable.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of progressive accounting or finance leadership experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Experience managing accounting staff and financial operations.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting, audits, cash management, and internal controls.
• Experience with grant accounting or grant-funded organizations is preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience working within ERP/accounting systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct the organization's accounting operations, including the general ledger, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash management.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for executive leadership and the Board.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and long-range financial planning.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, local, and grant funding requirements.
• Manage annual audits, internal controls, and financial risk management initiatives.
• Oversee banking relationships, cash flow, investments, and treasury functions.
• Supervise and develop the accounting and administrative staff.
• Ensure the timely processing of accounts payable, cash disbursements, and general accounting activities.
• Monitor grant funding and ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.
• Partner with leadership to provide financial analysis and recommendations that support organizational goals.
• Build efficiencies by improving accounting processes, reporting, and internal controls.

Skills

Accounting leadership

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Audits

Cash management

Internal controls

Grant accounting

Excel

ERP systems

Staff management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP/accounting systems

Job description

Location: Niles, MI (100% Onsite)

Salary: $85,000 to $95,000

Lead the Financial Strategy of a Growing Organization

Our client is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee all aspects of the organization's accounting and financial operations. This leadership position partners closely with executive management to provide financial insight, ensure regulatory compliance, and support strategic business initiatives.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting leader with strong technical expertise, a passion for process improvement, and the ability to build and mentor a high-performing team.

Responsibilities

• Direct the organization's accounting operations, including the general ledger, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash management.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for executive leadership and the Board.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and long-range financial planning.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, local, and grant funding requirements.
• Manage annual audits, internal controls, and financial risk management initiatives.
• Oversee banking relationships, cash flow, investments, and treasury functions.
• Supervise and develop the accounting and administrative staff.
• Ensure the timely processing of accounts payable, cash disbursements, and general accounting activities.
• Monitor grant funding and ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.
• Partner with leadership to provide financial analysis and recommendations that support organizational goals.
• Build efficiencies by improving accounting processes, reporting, and internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 6+ years of progressive accounting or finance leadership experience.
• Prior experience managing accounting staff and financial operations.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting, audits, cash management, and internal controls.
• Experience with grant accounting or grant-funded organizations is preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience working within ERP/accounting systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills.

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

• High-impact leadership role with direct exposure to executive leadership.
• Opportunity to influence financial strategy and organizational growth.
• Collaborative, team-oriented culture with long-term career stability