Controller | Food & Beverage Manufacturing | CPF – Ayer, MA

CPF, Inc; Ayer (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CPF, Inc. seeks a seasoned Controller to direct financial operations and oversee plant finances, collaborating with senior management to build and execute robust financial plans and forecasts.

You will own the general ledger, period-end closes, and internal controls, provide actionable insights to operations, manage working capital and audits, and help drive strategic plans across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance is required.
• Minimum 10 years of finance/accounting experience.
• Prior supervisory or management experience required.
• Experience with automated general ledger systems.
• Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct financial operations and plant oversight to meet budgets.
• Own general ledger and period-end close processes.
• Provide reporting and insights to senior management.
• Lead annual audits and maintain internal controls.
• Manage cash flow and banking relationships.
• Develop 3-year strategic plans and forecasts.
• Ensure P&L responsibility for designated cost centers.
• Enforce company policies and procedures.

Skills

Leadership & team management

Financial analysis & planning

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

MBA or CPA preferred

Tools

General ledger software

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Job description

Position Summary:

The Controller contributes to the organization’s success by directing financial operations and oversight of the plant to meet customer needs and ensure the financial stability of the company. This position works with Senior Management to develop and execute comprehensive financial plans, track performance against budget, and provide guidance and recommendations to maximize overall performance.

The Controller is responsible for managing working capital, fixed asset planning, general ledger, period-end close ownership and key financial activities. This role serves as a primary liaison to operations managers, providing status updates, financial insights, and recommendations. The Controller is responsibility for ensuring accurate financial reporting and enforcing strong internal financial controls.

This individual must follow all company policies and procedures, including but not limited to: Quality and Food Safety Policies, Good Manufacturing Practices, Safety Rules, and General Work Rules.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee all financial functions and staff by establishing and enforcing accounting policies and procedures related to plant operations, including working capital management, capital and fixed asset planning, patronage management, annual budgeting, and ongoing financial forecasting.
• Own the general ledger and period-end close process, ensuring accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual close cycles.
• Ensure accurate reporting of key financial information and trends to senior management and operations managers.
• Lead financial performance reporting, including risk and opportunity assessments for senior management and operations managers.
• Oversee and manage annual audit processes and reporting requirements.
• Ensure strong internal financial controls are established, maintained, and followed.
• Manage and monitor company cash flow, including banking relationships.
• Oversee group insurance programs, including liability, workers’ compensation, and other required insurance renewals and certifications.
• Lead development of 3-year strategic plans, annual plans, and ongoing financial forecasts.
• Research, analyze, and explain budget variances; develop and implement effective risk mitigation plans.
• Maintain P&L responsibility for designated departmental cost centers, including administrative labor and expenses.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Training, Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of finance/accounting experience.
• Previous supervisory or management experience required.
• Experience with automated general ledger systems.
• Strong computer skills include Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements:

• Ability to work in manufacturing and production areas with exposure to heat, noise, chemicals, and moving machinery.
• This position requires extended periods of sitting at a computer workstation, light lifting (under 10 lbs), and occasional walking, reaching, and bending. Frequent telephone use is required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all associated responsibilities, skills efforts, or working conditions. CPF reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign all duties, responsibilities and position titles as it deems necessary to meet the needs of the business.