Corporate Controller

Gilder Search Group

Northern (KY)

Hybrid

USD 140,000 - 175,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus Opportunity

Management Equity Incentive Program

Job summary

Gilder Search Group seeks a hands-on Corporate Controller to lead the finance and accounting function in a manufacturing environment. Reporting to the CEO, you will own the close process, reporting, budgeting, cash flow and internal controls, while partnering with PE sponsors and lenders.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in finance, manufacturing experience, and strong GAAP knowledge, with proven ability to drive improvements in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

Prior Controller-level experience including at least 1 year in a Controller role.
7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
6+ years of manufacturing industry experience with cost structures, inventory and COGS.
Experience with operations leadership and using financial data for decisions.
Experience in a private equity‑backed environment with reporting to executives.
Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, general ledger and internal controls.
Hands‑on month‑end/year‑end close, AR/AP, audits, budgeting and cash flow forecasting.
Strong Excel skills including PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, IF, and analysis.
Identify process gaps and implement improvements independently.
Hands-on in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Lead the accounting and finance function and manage the Finance Department and team.
Own the general ledger, month-end and year-end close, financial reporting and reconciliations.
Oversee manufacturing cost accounting and COGS analysis.
Manage inventory valuation and reconciliation across materials and finished goods.
Develop and maintain internal controls, policies, and procedures.
Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning and variance analysis.
Prepare and present financial reporting to CEO, PE sponsors, lenders, and senior leadership.
Manage bank covenant compliance and lender reporting.
Oversee multi-entity accounting, consolidations and intercompany reconciliations.
Oversee AP/AR and payroll oversight where needed.
Partner with operations and sales on margin analysis, labor costs, production performance, pricing and profitability.
Ensure ASC 606 revenue recognition compliance and tax compliance.
Serve as finance contact for auditors, tax advisors, and lenders.
Develop dashboards and KPIs for production, shipments, labor, margins and performance.
Evaluate capital expenditures and vendor financing; assist due diligence and integration as needed.
Support ERP optimization, implementation and scale initiatives.
Build and improve processes to sustain growth and acquisitions.

Skills

Controller leadership

GAAP knowledge

Financial analysis

Excel skills

Operations collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA, CGMA, and/or MBA preferred

Tools

Acumatica ERP

QuickBooks Enterprise

Avalara

Job description

Corporate Controller

Location: Mercer County, PA
Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
Compensation: $140,000-$175,000 + Bonus
Additional Incentive: Eligibility for Management Equity Incentive Program

Position Overview

A growing steel fabrication and manufacturing business is seeking an experienced, hands‑on Corporate Controller to lead the finance and accounting function and serve as a key member of the leadership team.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Controller will have ownership of financial reporting, accounting operations, budgeting and forecasting, cash flow management, internal controls, and operational finance. This individual will also work closely with the company’s private equity sponsor, lenders, auditors, and operational leadership.

The ideal candidate is an experienced manufacturing Controller who understands cost accounting, inventory, COGS, operational finance, and the demands of a private equity‑backed environment. This is a highly visible role for someone who can both lead the finance function and remain hands‑on in the details.

Must-Have Qualifications

Prior Controller‑level experience, including at least 1 year in a Controller role
7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience
6+ years of manufacturing industry experience, with a strong understanding of manufacturing operations, cost structures, inventory, and COGS
Experience working directly with operations leadership and using financial data to support operational decision-making
Experience in a private equity‑backed environment, including reporting to executive leadership and PE sponsors
Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, general ledger accounting, and internal controls
Hands‑on experience with month‑end and year‑end close, AR/AP, audit preparation, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow forecasting
Strong Excel skills, including PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, IF functions, and financial analysis
Demonstrated ability to identify process gaps and independently implement improvements
Ability and willingness to operate in a hands‑on, fast‑paced manufacturing environment

Key Responsibilities

Lead the accounting and finance function and manage the Finance Department and team.
Own the general ledger, month‑end and year‑end close, financial reporting, and account reconciliation processes.
Oversee manufacturing cost accounting and COGS analysis, ensuring accurate reconciliation of cost inputs across product lines.
Manage inventory valuation and reconciliation, including raw materials, work in process, and finished goods.
Develop and maintain effective internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures.
Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, variance analysis, and ongoing financial planning.
Prepare and present financial reporting and analysis to the CEO, private equity sponsors, lenders, and senior leadership.
Manage bank covenant compliance and required monthly and quarterly lender reporting.
Oversee multi‑entity accounting, consolidations, and intercompany reconciliations.
Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable and provide oversight or backup support for payroll administration.
Partner with operations and sales leadership on margin analysis, labor costs, production performance, pricing, and profitability.
Ensure appropriate revenue recognition and compliance with applicable accounting standards, including ASC 606.
Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local financial and tax requirements, including multi‑state sales and use tax.
Serve as the primary finance contact for external auditors, tax advisors, legal counsel, lenders, and other external partners.
Develop dashboards, KPIs, and management reporting that provide visibility into production, shipments, labor, margins, and overall business performance.
Evaluate capital expenditures, vendor financing arrangements, and other significant financial commitments.
Support acquisition due diligence, financial analysis, and post‑acquisition integration.
Support ERP optimization, implementation, and administration as the business continues to scale.
Build and improve accounting and financial processes to support continued organic growth and acquisitions.

Additional Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field required.
CPA, CGMA, and/or MBA preferred.
Experience with multi‑entity organizations strongly preferred.
ERP implementation or system conversion experience strongly preferred; experience with Acumatica or similar ERP platforms is a plus.
Experience with QuickBooks Enterprise, Avalara, ADP, or similar business systems is beneficial.
Working knowledge of acquisition accounting, purchase price allocation, and consolidation is a plus.
Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
Ability to communicate financial information clearly to both financial and non‑financial leaders.
High level of professional judgment, confidentiality, integrity, and accountability.

Leadership Profile

The successful Controller will be a proactive, collaborative leader who is comfortable moving between strategic financial leadership and hands‑on accounting responsibilities.

This individual should be able to identify issues before they become problems, create stronger processes without waiting for direction, and partner effectively with operations while maintaining strong financial discipline.

Employee Benefits