Lean Manufacturing Controller/ Finance Leader

Arlyce Cleveland, Ltd; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

401(k) plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Arlyce Cleveland, Ltd is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead accounting transformation in a manufacturing environment.

You will own close processes, implement Lean accounting, and partner with operations to boost financial visibility and efficiency. Strong leadership and ERP experience are required to modernize reporting and drive business value.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA/CMA preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting leadership in manufacturing.
• Strong Lean, CI, and operational excellence background.
• Expertise in inventory, cost accounting, GAAP, and ERP systems.
• Advanced Excel and analytics mindset; Power BI preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the accounting & finance team with focus on accountability.
• Own month-end close, financial reporting, internal controls, and GAAP.
• Drive Lean Accounting initiatives and value stream costing.
• Identify wastes and automate processes with AI and system improvements.
• Partner with operations to improve inventory accuracy and production reporting.
• Optimize ERP processes and reporting within Dynamics GP or similar.
• Deliver financial insights to support operational decisions.

Skills

Lean

Continuous Improvement

Operational Excellence

GAAP knowledge

Leadership

Self-starter

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Power BI

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems (Dynamics GP)

Job description

Build More Than Financial Reports. Build the Future.

Our client is a growing, American-made manufacturing company known for producing seriously durable industrial workspace solutions that stand the test of time. With decades of steady growth, a strong culture, and a commitment to continuous improvement, they are looking for a hands-on Controller who can lead both people and process transformation.

This is not a traditional “keep the books” Controller role. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who thrives in manufacturing environments, embraces Lean thinking, and wants to modernize accounting operations through automation, process improvement, and operational partnership.

• Lead and develop the accounting & finance team while driving accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Own month-end close, financial reporting, GAAP compliance, internal controls, and overall financial accuracy.
• Champion Lean Accounting initiatives and help transition the organization toward value stream costing and simplified financial reporting.
• Identify waste, inefficiencies, and bottlenecks across accounting processes and implement automation, AI tools, and system improvements.
• Partner closely with operations, manufacturing, and supply chain leadership to improve inventory accuracy, BOM integrity, production reporting, and financial visibility.
• Optimize ERP processes and reporting within Dynamics GP or similar systems.
• Deliver meaningful financial insights that support operational decision-making and company growth.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance;
• CPA or CMA preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience within manufacturing.
• Strong background in Lean, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or Lean Accounting initiatives.
• Expertise in inventory, cost accounting, ERP systems, and GAAP compliance.
• Proven leadership ability with experience mentoring and developing teams.
• Advanced Excel and strong systems/analytics mindset; Power BI or automation tools highly preferred.
• Self-starter mentality with the ability to lead change in a fast-paced environment.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• High-visibility role reporting directly to an experienced VP of Finance.
• Opportunity to shape and modernize the accounting function.
• Collaborative leadership team committed to investing in improvement and growth.
• Strong company culture focused on teamwork, stability, and long-term success.
• Competitive compensation, bonus potential, strong benefits, 401(k), PTO, and career growth opportunities.

If you are a manufacturing finance leader who combines strong accounting expertise with a passion for Lean transformation and operational excellence, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact. This information is a brief job summary for recruiting purposes only and does not constitute the entire job description, duties, or requirements.

Talis Group is an equal opportunity employer.All registrants are considered based upon their skills, performance, potential, and other qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law