Controller (Manufacturing) - North America

Gables Search Group; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Gables Search Group is seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting operations across multiple facilities in North America. You will oversee general ledger, cost accounting, and financial reporting, partnering with plant leadership and corporate finance to strengthen controls and drive accuracy.

The role requires 15–20 years in manufacturing finance, CPA or master's preferred, SAP ERP experience, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA and/or master’s degree preferred.
• 15–20 years of progressive accounting experience in manufacturing.
• At least three years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, internal controls, cost accounting, financial modeling, and multi-site consolidations.
• Experience managing external audits.
• ERP experience required; SAP strongly preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong executive communication, analytical, problem-solving, and team-development capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Direct all accounting operations, including GL, AP, AR, payroll, cost, fixed assets, and inventory accounting.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, internal controls, and procedures per GAAP.
• Partner with plant and commercial leadership on budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, cost control, and profitability reporting.
• Oversee standard costing, inventory reconciliations, rate studies, product-line analysis, and multi-site reporting.
• Manage external audits, tax filings, regulatory reporting, and audit-readiness activities.
• Present financial results, risks, trends, and opportunities to senior leadership.
• Support ERP implementations and finance-process improvements.
• Lead, develop, and hold the accounting team accountable for performance.

Skills

Leadership

U.S. GAAP expertise

Cost accounting

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Financial analysis

Strategic partnering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA and/or master’s degree

Tools

SAP

Excel

Job description

A growing North American manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and manufacturing cost accounting across multiple facilities.

This role will oversee the accounting team and partner closely with plant leadership, commercial teams, and corporate finance to improve financial discipline, strengthen reporting accuracy, support operational decision-making, and maintain audit readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, cost accounting, fixed assets, and inventory accounting.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, internal controls, and procedures in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Partner with plant and commercial leadership on budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, cost control, and profitability reporting.
• Oversee standard costing, inventory reconciliations, rate studies, product‑line analysis, and multi‑site financial reporting.
• Manage external audits, tax filings, regulatory reporting, and audit‑readiness activities.
• Present financial results, risks, trends, and business opportunities to senior leadership.
• Support ERP implementations and finance‑process improvement initiatives.
• Lead, develop, and hold the accounting team accountable for performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• CPA and/or master’s degree preferred.
• 15–20 years of progressive accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• At least three years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, internal controls, manufacturing cost accounting, financial modeling, and multi‑site consolidations.
• Experience managing external audits.
• ERP experience required; SAP strongly preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong executive communication, analytical, problem‑solving, and team‑development capabilities.

This is an opportunity for a hands‑on accounting leader who can combine technical accounting depth with strong manufacturing finance, cost‑control, and business‑partnering experience.