Controller

ebs Recruiters; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruiting firm is seeking an experienced Controller to lead financial operations in a manufacturing environment. The role requires expertise in cost accounting and inventory management, alongside leadership capabilities. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's in Accounting or Finance with CPA preferred, a minimum of 10 years in finance, and strong skills in ERP and financial analysis.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of accounting/finance experience including leadership.
• Strong background in manufacturing accounting and cost control.
• Proven experience in leading high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Analyze product costs and manage product portfolios.
• Deliver financial analysis for strategic decision making.
• Improve operational efficiency and drive process enhancements.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and maintain internal controls.

Skills

Cost accounting

Inventory management

Financial modeling

Leadership

Operational efficiency

Financial analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Overview

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and analytical Controller to lead the financial operations of a complex, fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role goes beyond traditional accounting, requiring a deep understanding of cost accounting, inventory management, and operational finance. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise with strong leadership, the ability to drive cross-functional collaboration, and a commitment to financial integrity and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Cost & Inventory Accounting
  • Analyze true product costs, factoring in materials, labor, and production variables.
  • Oversee valuation of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods; manage risk of obsolete inventory.
  • Provide SKU-level profitability insights to support product portfolio decisions.
• Financial Analysis & Systems
  • Deliver forward-looking financial analysis to guide decision-making.
  • Leverage ERP systems for real-time reporting, cost tracking, and data integration.
  • Translate complex data into clear, actionable reports for leadership.
• Operational & Strategic Partnership
  • Bridge financial insights with manufacturing operations and processes.
  • Support strategic initiatives such as market expansion and capital investment.
  • Drive process improvements to boost efficiency and cost control.
  • Lead and develop a high-performing accounting team.
  • Communicate financial concepts clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
  • Collaborate across departments to align financial goals with business objectives.
• Controls & Compliance
  • Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements.
  • Oversee audit, tax, and financial reporting processes.
  • Uphold high standards of accuracy, ethics, and financial transparency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong background in manufacturing accounting and cost control.
• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Advanced skills in financial modeling, forecasting, and analytics.
• Hands-on operator with demonstrated success in process improvement and operational efficiency.
• Experience with M&A due diligence and integration is a plus.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• High integrity and sound business judgment.