Financial Controller

Schmid Tool & Engineering; Villa Park (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Schmid Tool & Engineering is seeking a Controller to oversee day-to-day accounting, inventory costing, payroll coordination, and monthly close across three affiliated companies in Villa Park, IL. The role emphasizes GAAP compliance and strong internal controls while guiding the accounting team.

The position focuses on budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, with process improvements to increase operational efficiency in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of GAAP accounting principles and financial reporting practices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze monthly inventory reports and reconcile inventory balances to the general ledger.
• Record monthly journal entries and reconcile balance sheet accounts.
• Prepare monthly financial statements and analyze variances against budget and forecasts.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and perform periodic forecasting updates.
• Generate and distribute weekly job profitability reports and reconcile sales data to the general ledger.
• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, and cash management.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and maintain effective internal controls.
• Evaluate capital expenditure requests, including return-on-investment analysis and post-project cost/savings reconciliation.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase operational and financial efficiency.
• Manage, mentor, train, and develop accounting staff.
• Support leadership with financial analysis, reporting, and special projects as assigned.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Excel

Leadership

Communication

Inventory costing

Manufacturing accounting

Budgeting & forecasting

Multi-site management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration

CPA or equivalent

7+ years accounting experience

3+ years managing accounting teams

Manufacturing/multi-site experience preferred

Tools

Excel

QuickBooks

ERP systems (ProShop, Katana)

Job description

The Controller is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day accounting operations and financial controls across three affiliated companies. This role manages all transactional accounting processes, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable and receivable, inventory costing, payroll coordination, and monthly close activities.

The Controller ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, drives process improvements, supports budgeting and forecasting initiatives, and leads the accounting team with a strong focus on compliance, internal controls, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a finance professional who exemplifies our Core Values and embraces our Core Focus.

Our Core Values

• Innovative – Inquisitive, resourceful, and always learning.
• Driven – Demonstrates grit, heart, and stamina.
• Honor – Upholds integrity and always does the right thing.
• Team – Values teamwork, camaraderie, and shared success.

Our Core Focus

Passion - We strive to deeply understand and solve our customers’ challenges.

Niche - We specialize in the design, engineering, and production of complex parts and assemblies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze monthly inventory reports and reconcile inventory balances to the general ledger.
• Record monthly journal entries and reconcile balance sheet accounts.
• Prepare monthly financial statements and analyze variances against budget and forecasts.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and perform periodic forecasting updates.
• Generate and distribute weekly job profitability reports and reconcile sales data to the general ledger.
• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, and cash management.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and maintain effective internal controls.
• Evaluate capital expenditure requests, including return-on-investment analysis and post-project cost/savings reconciliation.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase operational and financial efficiency.
• Manage, mentor, train, and develop accounting staff.
• Support leadership with financial analysis, reporting, and special projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas, and data analysis).
• Working knowledge of QuickBooks Online and Desktop.
• Experience with ERP systems; ProShop and Katana experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and integrity.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of GAAP accounting principles and financial reporting practices.
• Strong background in inventory accounting, job costing, and manufacturing accounting.
• Experience with forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis, and general ledger reconciliations.
• Proven ability to manage and develop accounting personnel.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments, including operations, sales, suppliers, and customers.
• Manufacturing industry experience strongly preferred.
• Multi-site accounting experience is a plus.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
• CPA or equivalent professional certification preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience managing accounting teams.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing and/or multi-site environment strongly preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based environment with regular computer and telephone use.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office equipment for extended periods.
• Occasional interaction with manufacturing and warehouse environments may be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Schmid Tool & Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with dignity and respect.

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.