[Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC] Controller (Manufacturing)

German American Chambers Of Commerce; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Schaefer Plastics seeks a hands-on Controller to oversee daily accounting for our manufacturing operations. This leadership role involves supervising a high-performing team, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and strengthening internal controls in line with US GAAP.

The ideal candidate has manufacturing accounting expertise, public accounting exposure, and advanced Excel skills, with a proven ability to drive process improvements and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required.
• CPA certification strongly preferred.
• Minimum of eight years of progressive accounting experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes with accuracy.
• Prepare and review financial statements per US GAAP.
• Manage external audits and audit schedules.
• Oversee inventory costing and standard costing functions.
• Develop and improve internal controls and accounting procedures.

Skills

Public accounting

Manufacturing accounting

GAAP knowledge

ERP systems

Excel skills

Cost accounting

Inventory accounting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

CPA certification

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Controller (Manufacturing)

At Schaefer Plastics, we manufacture industry-leading solutions and drive responsible practices towards a sustainable future for generations to come. As a family-owned company since 1937, we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional customer care through high-quality, innovative waste and packaging solutions. Our customers and their satisfaction are paramount to our business; we strive to understand their needs and exceed their expectations at every turn. We are a global injection molding manufacturer, producing durable waste and recycling carts, and pioneering reusable packaging systems that reduce carbon footprints. Our dynamic and inclusive culture foster personal and professional growth, making us an ideal employer for career advancement.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, hands‑on Controller to oversee the daily accounting operations for our growing manufacturing organization. This is a working leadership role ideal for an accounting professional who enjoys being actively involved in financial operations while mentoring and developing a high‑performing team.

The Controller is responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining strong internal controls, supporting compliance with U.S. GAAP, and driving continuous process improvements. This position partners closely with the Director of Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to support strategic business objectives and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate brings a combination of public accounting experience, manufacturing expertise, strong technical accounting knowledge, and a collaborative leadership style.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close Process

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Prepare and review financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Review journal entries, account reconciliations, and balance sheet analyses.
• Ensure the integrity of the general ledger and financial reporting processes.
• Coordinate annual external audits and prepare required audit schedules and supporting documentation.
• Assist with year‑end financial reporting and compliance requirements.

Manufacturing & Cost Accounting

• Oversee inventory accounting, standard costing, and cost accounting functions.
• Analyze inventory transactions, manufacturing variances, and cost trends.
• Partner with Operations to investigate and resolve production and inventory variances.
• Ensure accurate inventory valuation and support physical inventory counts and cycle count programs.
• Continuously improve inventory controls and cost accounting processes.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain and strengthen internal accounting controls and financial policies.
• Develop, document, and improve accounting procedures and workflows.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead audit readiness initiatives throughout the year.
• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop the accounting team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish performance expectations and support professional development.
• Serve as the department's technical accounting resource.
• Promote operational excellence through process improvements and best practices.

Business Partnership

• Collaborate closely with Operations, Purchasing, Customer Service, Sales, and other departments.
• Provide financial analysis and reporting to support operational and strategic decision‑making.
• Participate in ERP enhancements, system implementations, and other cross‑functional initiatives.
• Support special projects as assigned by Finance leadership.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
• CPA certification is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive accounting experience.
• Previous public accounting experience (Big Four or regional public accounting firm preferred).
• Experience managing external financial statement audits.
• Manufacturing industry accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of inventory accounting and cost accounting.
• Advanced knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Experience working with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading and developing accounting teams.
• Experience improving accounting processes through automation and technology.
• Multi‑entity and/or multi‑location manufacturing experience.
• Experience supporting ERP implementations or system upgrades.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• German language skills preferred.
• Strong technical accounting and financial reporting expertise.
• Thorough understanding of manufacturing accounting and inventory valuation.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to identify process improvement opportunities and implement solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Leadership Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to:

• Lead by example and actively support day‑to‑day accounting operations.
• Balance attention to detail with strategic thinking.
• Take ownership and drive issues through resolution.
• Foster accountability and continuous improvement.
• Build trust through technical expertise and dependable execution.
• Communicate effectively with executives, managers, and staff.
• Perform effectively under pressure while consistently meeting deadlines.
• Challenge existing processes and recommend innovative, efficient solutions.

Work Environment

• Office environment within a manufacturing facility.
• Regular interaction with operations and production personnel.
• Occasional extended hours may be required during month‑end close, year‑end close, audits, or special projects.

Success in This Role

Within the first year, the successful Controller will:

• Take ownership of the monthly financial close process with exceptional accuracy and timeliness.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships across Finance and Operations.
• Improve accounting processes, reporting efficiencies, and internal controls.
• Successfully lead the annual external audit.