Manufacturing Controller: Lead Finance & AI-Driven Ops

Western Protective Solutions; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 135,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Protective Solutions seeks an experienced Controller to lead accounting operations at our Eugene, Oregon site, reporting directly to the CEO. You will ensure financial accuracy, strengthen internal controls, and drive process improvements, with an emphasis on AI-enabled workflows.

The ideal candidate will build and develop a high‑performing team, oversee month‑end close, financial reporting, cost accounting and inventory valuation in a manufacturing setting, and partner with Operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant accounting experience with leadership.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and cost accounting.
• Experience with manufacturing accounting, including job costing and inventory valuation.
• Advanced Excel and financial analysis with large datasets.
• Experience with ERP systems and accounting process improvements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop employees and manage performance.
• AI fluency and applying AI/tools to improve processes preferred.
• Multi-entity accounting experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Oversee accounting operations, month-end close, financial reporting, general ledger activities, and account reconciliations.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, cash flow forecasts, budgets, and key performance indicators to support business decisions.
• Maintain strong internal controls, financial policies, and procedures to ensure accuracy, compliance, and risk management.
• Oversee cost accounting, inventory valuation, overhead allocation, and cost of goods sold in a manufacturing environment.
• Partner with Operations and other departments to identify opportunities for improved financial and operational performance.
• Lead process improvement initiatives, leveraging automation, AI tools, and technology to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Evaluate and optimize ERP systems, accounting workflows, and reporting capabilities.
• Coordinate tax compliance, audits, and reporting requirements with external partners.
• Foster a collaborative, results-driven department that consistently delivers high-quality work and meets established deadlines.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

AI fluency

Multi-entity accounting

GAAP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

ERP systems

SQL

Excel

Job description

Western Protective Solutions seeks an experienced Controller to lead accounting operations at our Eugene, Oregon site, reporting directly to the CEO. You will ensure financial accuracy, strengthen internal controls, and drive process improvements, with an emphasis on AI-enabled workflows.

The ideal candidate will build and develop a high‑performing team, oversee month‑end close, financial reporting, cost accounting and inventory valuation in a manufacturing setting, and partner with Operations