Controller

Connect Search, LLC; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect Search, LLC partners with a growing manufacturing organization seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting and financial reporting across multiple operating locations, including Wichita, KS. This role is hands-on and requires close collaboration with plant leadership to drive performance visibility.

The ideal candidate will own the month-end close, oversee cost accounting, fixed assets, and gross-to-net reporting, and strengthen internal controls while guiding budgeting,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing.
• Experience as Controller, Assistant Controller, or Accounting Manager or similar leadership role.
• Strong manufacturing cost accounting experience is required.
• Own the complete month-end close process and GAAP knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Lead accounting activities across multiple manufacturing locations and maintain consistency in accounting practices and controls.
• Manage cost accounting, including standard costs, inventory valuation, variances, overhead absorption, and product costing.
• Oversee fixed asset accounting, capitalization, depreciation, asset tracking, and capex reporting.
• Maintain accurate general ledger activity, reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules.
• Partner with plant and operational leadership to understand costs, margins, and key drivers.
• Strengthen accounting processes, policies, documentation, and internal controls.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management, and financial analysis.
• Coordinate annual audit requirements with outside accounting and tax partners.

Skills

Leadership

Financial reporting

GAAP expertise

Excel skills

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

We are partnering with a growing, multi-site manufacturing organization seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting and financial reporting across multiple operating locations. This is a hands‑on leadership opportunity for an accounting professional who combines strong technical accounting fundamentals with an understanding of manufacturing operations.

The Controller will take ownership of the month‑end and year‑end close processes, while partnering closely with operational leadership to improve processes and provide greater visibility into business performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and manage the month‑end and year‑end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Lead accounting activities across multiple manufacturing locations and maintain consistency in accounting practices and controls.
• Manage cost accounting, including standard costs, inventory valuation, manufacturing variances, overhead absorption, and product costing.
• Oversee fixed asset accounting, including capitalization, depreciation, asset tracking, and capital expenditure reporting.
• Maintain accurate general ledger activity, reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules.
• Partner with plant and operational leadership to understand manufacturing performance, costs, margins, and key financial drivers.
• Strengthen accounting processes, policies, documentation, and internal controls across the organization.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, cash‑flow management, and financial analysis.
• Coordinate annual audit requirements and work with outside accounting and tax partners as needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve reporting, automate processes, and create greater consistency across locations.
• Support continued organizational growth, including the integration of additional operations or acquired businesses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Approximately 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Prior Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar leadership experience.
• Strong manufacturing cost accounting experience is required.
• Demonstrated experience owning the complete month‑end close process.
• Strong knowledge of fixed assets, inventory accounting, standard costing, and manufacturing variances.
• Experience supporting multiple plants, business units, or operating locations is strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of GAAP and financial controls.
• ERP experience and strong Excel skills.
• CPA preferred but not required.
• Ability to operate effectively in a hands‑on, entrepreneurial environment where the Controller is expected to both lead and execute.