Operational Controller

Magnetic Technologies Corporation; Woodstock (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Arnold Magnetic Technologies in Woodstock, IL seeks an Operational Controller to lead cost accounting, production cost analysis, and month-end close, ensuring GAAP-compliant reporting and strong internal controls.

The role partners with operations, supply chain, and engineering to drive cost improvements, budgeting, forecasting, and ROI analyses, while building dashboards to monitor KPIs and support strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in accounting/finance with manufacturing cost accounting background.
• Experience with Actual Cost system and Foundry or 'job shop' environment.
• Experience with Syteline ERP and multinational corporate structure.
• Experience with OneStream and Power BI or similar.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze sales reports, margins, and key financial metrics.
• Analyze production costs, overhead rates, inventory valuation, and departmental spending.
• Establish and maintain overhead rates and job cost analysis processes.
• Calculate monthly reserves for excess/obsolete inventory and variances.
• Oversee month-end close including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Collaborate with Production, Operations, Supply Chain, and Engineering to align financial expectations.

Skills

Independent work

Project management

Communication skills

Excel expertise

Education

BA/BS in Finance or Accounting

CPA or CMA

Tools

Syteline ERP

OneStream

Power BI

Job description

Job purpose

The Operational Controller is responsible for establishing, managing, and analyzing production‑related costs, inventory valuation, and overall cost control system. This role leads month‑end close activities, prepares financial reports, supports budgeting and forecasting, and drives continuous improvement of costing processes, internal controls, and operational financial performance. The position applies established accounting principles and GAAP standards while proactively identifying cost drivers, trends, risks, and opportunities.

Essential Duties and responsibilities

Cost Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Prepare and analyze sales reports, margin analysis, and key financial metrics
• Perform analysis of production costs, overhead rates, inventory valuation, and departmental spending
• Establish and maintain overhead rates and job cost analysis processes
• Calculate monthly reserves for excess/obsolete inventory and inventory variances
• Oversee month-end close including preparation of monthly journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial reporting packages

Budgeting, Forecasting & Strategic Analysis

• Support preparation of annual budgets and quarterly forecasts, including production cost planning
• Perform sensitivity and trend analyses to identify cost drivers and impact of volume, labor efficiency, and overhead changes
• Build dashboards and analytical tools to track KPIs and cost reduction initiatives
• Analyze variances to budget/forecast and BOMs; identify root causes and recommend corrective actions

Operational Finance & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Production, Operations, Supply Chain, and Engineering to align financial expectations with performance and delivery capabilities
• Work with Purchasing to analyze material purchase plans and supplier agreements for cost improvements
• Support order management, demand planning, and financial aspects of customer communications
• Recommend improvements to internal controls and accounting processes
• Maintain capital expenditure records, perform ROI/payback analyses, and support long‑range capital planning
• Support internal and external audit requests and ensure compliance with GAAP and corporate policies

Required Skills / Abilities

• Must be able to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and organize workload to meet organizational timelines in a fast paced, high growth environment.
• Flexibility to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Able to proactively question and challenge to prioritize and identify solutions in timely manner.
• Solid interpersonal skills with proven ability to develop and maintain effective business partner relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to translate complex data for non-financial audiences.
• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Excel including, but not limited to V lookup, and pivot tables.

Education & Experience

• BA/BS degree (or equivalent) in Finance/Accounting or Business; CPA, CMA (or other advanced business degree) a plus
• 3-5 years of experience in accounting / finance with strong background in manufacturing cost accounting.
• Experience with and Actual Cost system and Foundry and/or "job shop" environment a plus
• Experience with Syteline ERP and multilocation/multinational corporate structure a plus
• Experience with OneStream and MS Power BI or similar a plus

Working Conditions

• Standard work week is Monday through Friday, hours to be consistent with business unit; some off hours work expected
• Generally working in Office with some activities in production environment.
• Repetitive motion
• Some day or overnight travel domestically could be required.

Arnold Magnetic Technologies is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran