Corporate Controller

Gilman Partners; Cincinnati (OH); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilman Partners is seeking a Corporate Controller based in Cincinnati to oversee all accounting operations and financial reporting. This role requires a minimum of 8–10 years of experience in accounting, including 3 years in a leadership position, ideally within manufacturing.

The successful candidate will manage audit engagements, implement internal controls, and collaborate across departments to ensure accurate financial information. The position offers in-office work Monday-Thursday with remote options on Fridays.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• At least 3 years in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations and financial reporting.
• Manage audit engagement and internal controls.
• Collaborate with FP&A and operations for budgeting.

Skills

Accounting expertise

Team management

Analytical skills

Process improvement

CPA designation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

MBA or equivalent advanced degree

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Reporting to the CFO, the Corporate Controller will be responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls for the organization. They will provide strategic guidance and operational oversight across the Finance & Accounting function. This role is critical to ensuring the integrity of the company's financial data, driving process improvement across transactional finance functions, and supporting the CFO in delivering timely and accurate financial information to leadership and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate brings deep technical accounting expertise, a hands‑on management style, and the ability to scale finance operations within a manufacturing environment.

Specifically, responsibilities include:

• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with GAAP.
• Introduce and champion process changes and automation to increase accuracy and speed of accounting processes.
• Prepare and review consolidate financial statements, management reports, and variance analyses for senior leadership.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and relationship owner with the company's external audit firm, managing all aspects of the annual audit engagement from planning through final issuance.
• Review and respond to audit findings, management letter comments, and internal control observations; develop remediation plans and track resolution of identified deficiencies through to completion.

Accounting Operations & Internal Controls

• Maintain and strengthen the company's internal control framework, identifying risks and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Establish and enforce accounting policies, procedures, and documentation standards across all finance functions.
• Monitor compliance with applicable federal, state, and local tax requirements in coordination with external tax advisors.
• Oversee fixed asset accounting, inventory accounting, and cost accounting processes specific to manufacturing operations.

Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable

• Oversee vendor payment cycles, purchase order matching, and supplier reconciliation processes to ensure operational efficiency and accuracy.
• Monitor AR aging, collections activity, and credit policy adherence; work with commercial teams to resolve outstanding balances.
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties and authorization controls across all payable and receivable transactions.

General Ledger & Reporting

• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and period-end accruals prepared by the accounting team.
• Maintain the integrity of the chart of accounts and general ledger structure to support accurate financial reporting.
• Support management reporting enhancements and ad hoc financial analysis as requested by the CFO or executive leadership.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex AP, AR, and GL issues, ensuring prompt and effective resolution.
• Partner with insurance brokers to manage the company's commercial insurance portfolio, including general liability, property, workers' compensation, and other relevant lines of coverage.
• Conduct periodic coverage reviews to ensure adequate protection relative to the company's risk profile, operational footprint, and industry-specific exposures.
• Coordinate the annual insurance renewal process, including gathering and validating financial and operational data required by brokers and carriers.
• Identify and assess financial and operational risks across the organization; develop and implement mitigation strategies in collaboration with the CFO and senior leadership.
• Maintain relationships with external advisors, including legal counsel and risk management consultants, to stay current on regulatory and compliance matters affecting the business.

Treasury

• Monitor and manage daily, weekly, and monthly cash flow to ensure sufficient liquidity for operations and strategic initiatives.
• Prepare and maintain rolling cash flow forecasts in collaboration with FP&A and operational stakeholders; communicate variances and risks to the CFO on a timely basis.
• Optimize working capital by overseeing the cash conversion cycle, including management of AR collection timelines, AP payment terms, and inventory levels in coordination with operations.
• Manage the company's primary banking relationships, serving as the day‑to‑day finance contact for depository, credit, and treasury service matters.
• Monitor financial covenants on an ongoing basis, proactively identifying potential compliance risks and communicating findings to the CFO with sufficient lead time for corrective action.
• Coordinate lender reporting obligations including periodic financial statement packages, audit deliverables required under credit agreements, and any lender‑requested financial information.
• Maintain organized documentation of all credit agreements, amendments, and related compliance records; ensure the company remains in good standing with all lender requirements at all times.

Strategic & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with FP&A, operations, supply chain, and HR to support budgeting, forecasting, and cost management initiatives.
• Provide financial insight and analysis to support business decisions, capital expenditure evaluations, and operational improvements.
• Contribute to ERP system enhancements, integrations, or implementations as the finance subject matter expert.
• Support M&A due diligence, integration activities, or other strategic finance projects as assigned by the CFO.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• CPA designation strongly preferred; MBA or equivalent advanced degree a plus.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, with at least 3 years in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing a team.
• Experience with ERP systems; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools required.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting standards, and internal control best practices.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Process‑improvement mindset with experience driving operational efficiency through system enhancements or workflow redesign.
• Experience with M&A, PE firms helpful.

OUR COMMITMENT TO CANDIDATES

Gilman Partners is committed to strengthening leadership teams and elevating talent in our communities—and that means all qualified applicants will receive consideration. You do not have to meet every qualification in this job description to apply. If you’re drawn to the position and believe your experience makes you a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This role is based in Cincinnati and is in office Monday-Thursday with work from home options on Friday. There will be minimal travel involved.