Controller

Exponent; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 121,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent, a leading industrial manufacturer, is seeking its first dedicated Controller in Wichita to own the close, cash management, tax compliance, and banking relationships. You will partner with the CEO as a key financial advisor and help guide the finance function through a major transition in accounting.

You will lead the move to percentage of completion, oversee the first audit, and drive FP&A, lender relations, and long-term growth within a tight-knit team.

Qualifications

• 8+ years progressive accounting experience including ownership of the close.
• Manufacturing accounting and project-based revenue recognition (PoC).
• Audit and lender reporting experience is a strong plus.
• Based in the Wichita area and open to growth in FP&A, cash management, and lender relations.

Responsibilities

• Manage month-end close and the monthly financial package.
• Lead the company through its first audit and banking relationships.
• Oversee cash flow management and borrowing base reports.
• Coordinate quarterly tax calculations with outside CPA and multi-state sales tax setup.
• Provide financial analysis and support the annual forecast and board presentations.

Skills

Month-end close

Tax filings

CPA coordination

Controller-level experience

8+ years accounting

Job description

An established industrial manufacturer is hiring its first dedicated Controller. You'll own the close, cash management, banking relationships, and tax compliance, and act as the CEO's key financial partner. You'll also lead the finance function through its next stage, including a move to percentage of completion accounting and the first audit, with long-term room to grow.

Why We Like This

• A Newly Established Seat: The company is adding this role to elevate its finance function ahead of its next stage of growth. The right person will own the numbers end to end and report directly to the CEO.
• Hands-On and Strategic: The role combines day-to-day accounting with financial projections, cash flow management, and oversight of the company’s new percentage of completion accounting.
• Culture and Stability: The company is a small, tight-knit team that hires for character and culture fit, with a long-term view on retention and local hiring. With more than 40 years in business and steady growth, the role offers both stability and room to expand over time.

Requirements

• Hands-On Controller with Accounting Depth: A doer who owns the month-end close, tax filings, and CPA coordination, and takes CFO-level work off the CEO’s plate. The ideal candidate has 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 2 years owning the close as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or Accounting Manager.
• Manufacturing and Percentage of Completion Accounting: A strong background in manufacturing accounting and project-based revenue recognition. The ideal candidate is comfortable partnering with operations, engineering, and sales to get costing and revenue recognition right. Audit and lender reporting experience are a strong plus.
• Character and Long-Term Fit: Integrity, humility, and a team-first mindset are must-haves. The ideal candidate is based in the Wichita area and eager to take on more FP&A, cash management, and lender relations responsibility as the business grows.

Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting & Close: Manage the month-end close, prepare the monthly financial package, and lead monthly financial reviews with the CEO and ownership.
• Percentage of Completion & Audit: Own percentage of completion accounting, partner with operations on job inputs, and lead the company through its first audit.
• Cash Flow & Banking: Manage cash flow and lender relationships, prepare borrowing base reports, and recommend when to draw on or pay down the working capital line.
• Tax & Compliance: Coordinate quarterly tax calculations with the outside CPA, lead multi-state sales tax setup, and manage the insurance and benefits broker relationships.
• Financial Analysis: Provide financial analysis as needed, lead the annual forecast, and support the quarterly board presentation.

$121,000 - $165,000 a year