Lead Controller

Ralliant; Elizabethtown (NC); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ralliant in Elizabethtown, NC is seeking a Lead Controller to oversee US GAAP financial reporting, SOX controls, and accounting operations in a manufacturing environment. Hybrid role based in Elizabethtown, with partnership to Operations and Corporate Finance.

The role leads the Controlling team, drives continuous improvement, oversees tax information, intercompany accounting, fixed assets, and procurement governance while mentoring two direct reports and collaborating with cross-functional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Big 4 public accounting audit background.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP.
• Understanding of cost accounting principles.
• Advanced Excel proficiency.
• Experience with global ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, JDE).
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive process improvement and lead change in a complex, matrixed organization.

Responsibilities

• Ensure full US GAAP compliance across both entities.
• Implement, maintain, and enhance SOX internal controls.
• Perform internal audits and coordinate external audit activities.
• Perform and ensure accurate and timely month-end close procedures.
• Prepare income tax information for corporate reporting.
• Review balance sheet reconciliations and ensure data integrity.
• Perform annual standard cost updates and oversee costing in manufacturing.
• Conduct inventory variance analysis and oversee inventory controls.
• Oversee intercompany accounting and reconciliations.
• Concur Expense system administration and P.O. governance.
• Lead fixed asset accounting and capital expenditure controls.
• Manage two direct reports and foster continuous improvement.

Skills

Advanced Excel

US GAAP knowledge

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Change leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Accounting

Tools

SAP

Oracle

JDE

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Lead Controller is responsible for the overall financial control, compliance, and accounting operations. This role ensures full US GAAP compliance, maintains a strong SOX control environment, oversees month-end close processes, and partners closely with Operations and Corporate Finance. The Lead Controller manages the Controlling team and plays a critical role in driving financial accuracy, operational insight, and continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment. This is a Hybrid role based in Elizabethtown, NC.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with US GAAP across both entities
• Implement, maintain, and enhance SOX internal controls
• Perform internal audits and coordinate external audit activities
• Perform and ensure accurate and timely month-end close procedures
• Prepare income tax information for corporate reporting
• Review balance sheet reconciliations and ensure integrity of financial data

Manufacturing & Cost Accounting

• Perform annual standard cost updates
• Conduct physical inventory variance analysis and inventory controls oversight
• Oversee cost accounting processes in a manufacturing environment
• Analyze variances and provide financial insight to Operations leadership

Operational & Accounting Oversight

• Oversee fixed asset accounting and capital expenditure controls
• Manage intercompany accounting and reconciliations
• Review credit card transactions and perform related expenditure controls
• Concur Expense system user administration
• Manage JDE and purchase order approval limits and governance
• Perform ad hoc analysis requests related to expenses, balance sheet movements, etc.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop two direct reports, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth
• Set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and ensure succession planning for key roles
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, and Corporate Finance
• "Manage upwards" by seeking to understand leadership needs, communicating risks and insights early, and effectively supporting decision-making through clear, data-driven recommendations

Technical Accounting & Advisory

• Research and interpret complex accounting issues
• Lead the adoption and documentation of new accounting standards, policies, and procedures
• Provide expertise on revenue recognition, fixed asset management and other topics

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Required:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting
• Big 4 public accounting audit background
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP
• Understanding of cost accounting principles
• Advanced Excel proficiency
• Experience with global ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, JDE)
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skill
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to drive process improvement and lead change in a complex, matrixed organization
• High integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement

Preferred:

• CPA or equivalent certification
• Manufacturing industry experience

#LI-RB1