Controller

Sterling Engineering; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering seeks two hands-on Manufacturing Operations Controllers to partner with the Regional Finance Director, COO, Operations and Supply Chain. Requires 7+ years in manufacturing cost accounting, actual-to-standard variance, inventory reporting and plant forecasting, with Epicor ERP experience preferred.

This onsite role in Waukegan, IL has no direct reports but demands leadership and process ownership. Bachelor's in Accounting or Finance; Advanced Excel skills; CPA/CMA preferred.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of manufacturing cost accounting and variance analysis.
• Experience with actual-to-standard variance, inventory reporting and plant forecasting.
• ERP experience; CPA/CMA is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Regional Finance Director, COO, Operations and Supply Chain to drive cost control.
• Lead process ownership and influence cross-functional teams without direct reports.
• Support GAAP, SOX, month-end close and internal controls.

Skills

Manufacturing cost accounting

Variance analysis

Excel proficiency

ERP experience

Cost reporting

Forecasting

Cross-functional influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Epicor ERP

CPA/CMA preferred

Job description

Location: Western Suburbs and Northern Suburbs - 2 positions

Salary $150K - $160K + Benefits

I have 2 Controller positions and am looking for a hands‑on manufacturing Operations Controller professional with 7+ years of experience to partner with the Regional Finance Director, COO, Operations, and Supply Chain. Must have, cost accounting, Actual to standard variance and variance analysis, inventory reporting and plant forecasting and CAPEX evaluation experience.

This position has no direct reports but requires leadership, process ownership, and the ability to influence operational teams. Must be available to work onsite full‑time in Waukegan, IL area.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Manufacturing cost accounting
• Standard costing and annual cost updates
• Actual-to-standard variance and absorption analysis
• Inventory reporting, reduction, excess, and obsolescence
• Plant forecasting, budgeting, and KPI reporting
• CAPEX financial evaluation and post‑completion reviews
• Month‑end reporting, reconciliations, and financial controls
• GAAP, SOX, and audit support
• Cross‑functional partnership with plant operations and supply chain
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
• 7+ years of relevant experience
• Advanced Excel and ERP experience required. Epicor and CPA/CMA are preferred.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.