Controller

The Planet Group; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Planet Group is seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting and financial functions for a large manufacturing operation. The role requires hands-on leadership across cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, tax, audit, and financial controls.

Initially on site with a path to a hybrid schedule offering 2 remote days per week, the role partners with site leadership and oversees a small accounting team to drive financial performance and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of accounting management experience.
• Hands-on manufacturing cost accounting experience.
• Strong understanding and working knowledge of GAAP.
• Experience with P&L reporting and financial analysis.
• Strong Excel skills and overall computer proficiency.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work hands-on while also partnering effectively with site leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the accounting and financial functions for the manufacturing site.
• Oversee monthly financial reporting, including P&L reporting and analysis.
• Provide hands-on leadership in cost accounting and inventory valuation.
• Manage the standard costing system and review/update costs for accurate valuation and variances.
• Develop and coordinate budgets, financial plans, and forecasts.
• Analyze financial variances and identify opportunities to improve performance.
• Oversee CAPEX planning, fixed assets, and ROI analysis.
• Monitor and improve working capital strategies.
• Partner with site leadership to provide financial insight into business health.
• Supervise accounting, cash management, and financial controls.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and tax filings; support audits.
• Lead financial projects and process improvements.
• Develop and coach the accounting/finance team.

Skills

Accounting leadership

GAAP knowledge

Cost accounting

P&L reporting

Budgeting

Forecasting

Excel

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

MBA

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Controller to oversee the accounting and financial functions for a large manufacturing company. This role will provide hands‑on leadership across accounting, financial reporting, cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, tax, audit, and financial controls.

The Controller will partner closely with site leadership and oversee a small accounting support team. The position is initially onsite to build strong relationships across the organization, with the opportunity to transition to a hybrid schedule with 2 remote days per week.

Responsibilities

• Lead and prioritize the accounting and financial functions for the manufacturing site.
• Oversee monthly financial reporting, including P&L reporting and analysis.
• Provide hands‑on leadership in cost accounting and inventory valuation.
• Manage the standard costing system and review/update costs to ensure accurate valuation and identify non‑operational variances.
• Develop and coordinate budgets, financial plans, and forecasts.
• Analyze financial variances and identify opportunities to improve business performance.
• Oversee CAPEX planning, fixed assets, and capital investment analysis, including ROI and return on capital.
• Monitor and develop strategies to improve working capital.
• Partner with site leadership and provide financial insight into the overall health and performance of the business.
• Supervise accounting, cash management, and financial control activities.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, company policies, and applicable legal requirements.
• Oversee tax‑related filings, legal entity requirements, powers of attorney, and other statutory obligations.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Lead financial projects and process improvement initiatives as needed.
• Supervise and develop members of the accounting/finance support team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of accounting management experience.
• Hands‑on manufacturing cost accounting experience.
• Strong understanding and working knowledge of GAAP.
• Experience with P&L reporting and financial analysis.
• Strong Excel skills and overall computer proficiency.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work hands‑on while also partnering effectively with site leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA and/or CPA.
• Experience working for an international organization.
• Experience with standard costing, inventory valuation, CAPEX, and working capital management.