Manufacturing Controller

Upside Search; West Middlesex (Mercer County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Upside Search is seeking a hands-on Controller to oversee the finance and accounting function for a $150 million manufacturing facility. You will lead a five-person team, partner with plant and divisional leadership, and drive cost analysis, budgeting, and capital management.

This is a senior, visible role with opportunities to improve processes, strengthen internal controls, and influence operational decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience within manufacturing.
• Experience as Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar role.
• Strong leadership skills with ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees.
• Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the plant's accounting and finance function, ensuring accurate financial reporting.
• Lead and develop a five-person team across accounting and administrative functions.
• Manage the month-end close process, including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Prepare and analyze financial results, identify variances and improvement opportunities.
• Oversee cost accounting activities including manufacturing costs, inventory, labor, and overhead analysis.
• Manage fixed asset accounting, capital expenditures, and tracking of plant investments.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Partner with plant leadership to provide financial insights for operational decisions.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting, controls, and efficiency.
• Remain hands-on with day-to-day accounting activities while developing the team.

Skills

Leadership

Team coaching

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Financial reporting tools

Job description

Our client is a well-established, global manufacturing organization with a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and long-term stability. With approximately 300 employees and $150 million in annual revenue at this facility, the company continues to invest in its people, equipment, and manufacturing capabilities to support continued growth.

The Controller will oversee the finance and accounting function for it's top-performing manufacturing facility, including financial reporting, month-end close, cost analysis, budgeting, and capital management. This individual will lead a team of five employees while partnering closely with plant and divisional leadership to support financial performance and operational decision-making.

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for someone who enjoys both the technical side of accounting and developing people. The ideal candidate will bring strong manufacturing accounting experience, a collaborative leadership style, and the ability to identify opportunities for improvement.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Continued Investment & Growth: The company continues to invest heavily in its operations, including a recently announced multi-million expansion at the facility.
• Stability of a Global Organization: Join an established, financially strong manufacturer with a long history of success and a global presence.
• High-Visibility Leadership Role: Lead the accounting and finance function for a $150 million manufacturing operation while working closely with divisional leadership.
• Opportunity to Make an Impact: Take ownership of plant financial operations, improve processes, and provide meaningful financial insights to support business decisions.
• Long-Term Career Growth: Opportunity for continued professional development and advancement within a large, established organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the plant's accounting and finance function, ensuring accurate financial reporting and effective financial management.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of five employees across various accounting and administrative functions.
• Manage the month-end close process, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.
• Prepare and analyze financial results, identifying variances, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee cost accounting activities, including manufacturing costs, inventory, labor, and overhead analysis.
• Manage fixed asset accounting, capital expenditures, and financial tracking of plant investments.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Partner with plant leadership to provide financial insights and support operational decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting, internal controls, and overall efficiency.
• Remain hands-on with day-to-day accounting activities while supporting and developing the team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience within manufacturing.
• Previous experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar role.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing accounting, cost accounting, and financial reporting.
• Hands-on experience with month-end close, financial statements, budgeting, and variance analysis.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees.
• Experience working with ERP systems and financial reporting tools.