Controller

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

Job summary

Exponent Partners is seeking its first dedicated Controller for an established industrial manufacturer in Wichita. You will own the month-end close, cash management, banking relationships, tax compliance, and act as the CEO's financial partner.

You’ll lead the finance function through its next growth phase, including PoC accounting and the first audit, with long-term room to grow. The role blends hands-on accounting with strategic planning, cash flow oversight, and lender relations as the

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• At least 2 years owning the close as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or Accounting Manager.
• Manufacturing accounting and project-based revenue recognition (PoC).
• Audit and lender reporting experience is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage the month-end close, monthly financial package, and reviews with the CEO/ownership.
• Own percentage of completion accounting and lead the company through its first audit.
• Manage cash flow and lender relationships, prepare borrowing base reports, and advise on working capital draws.
• Coordinate quarterly tax calculations with the outside CPA and oversee multi-state sales tax setup.
• Provide financial analysis, lead the annual forecast, and support the quarterly board presentation.

Skills

Controller experience

Manufacturing accounting

Percentage of completion

Audit coordination

Cash flow management

Lender relations

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

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