Manufacturing Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title : Controller

Reports To : CEO

Department : Administration

Employment Status : Full Time / Exempt

Location : Johnston, IA

ABOUT US :

Grip-Tite Manufacturing, headquartered in Winterset, Iowa, is a 100+ year-old American manufacturer specializing in high-quality earth anchoring solutions for the foundation repair and utility industries. As a "100-year startup," we combine proven craftsmanship with innovative growth, pursuing an ambitious $80M revenue target by scaling high-margin utility and foundation repair segments and advancing smart technologies to gain market share.

PRIMARY PURPOSE :

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller to oversee financial operations and support our growth objectives. Reporting directly to the CEO and based in our Johnston, Iowa office, this role will manage day-to-day accounting, enhance reporting and controls, drive profitability analysis, and contribute to strategic initiatives including budgeting, cost management, and process improvements. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable in a fast-paced entrepreneurial manufacturing environment.

WHY GRIP-TITE MANUFACTURING CO.? Grip-Tite Manufacturing Co. offers a challenging work environment, competitive benefits, and a culture that promotes growth, along with celebrating success. Here at Grip-Tite we realize that our greatest assets are our employees, and we are committed to developing and promoting our talented individuals to support our future leadership needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES :

• Oversee core accounting operations, including accounts payable (A / P), accounts receivable (A / R), banking transactions (daily reconciliations, funds transfers, ACH / wire setup and approvals), and general ledger maintenance.
• Perform daily bank reconciliations, verify and set up vendor payments, approve ACH / wires, and handle recurring monthly entries (e.g., auto-deducts, commissions).
• Prepare weekly cash reports, review and modify A / P selections, process payroll journal entries, and make month-end expense / accrual entries to support accurate financial close.
• Enhance financial reporting through timely monthly / quarterly / annual statements, in-depth reviews, GL code restructuring, and development of meaningful metrics and dashboards.
• Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes; monitor variances and provide insights to management.
• Analyze profitability by product line, segment, and customer; refine cost accounting systems (job costing, variances) to improve pricing and decision-making.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities; evaluate spending trends and recommend efficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with sales tax filings, excise tax reporting, insurance renewals, and regulatory requirements.
• Document key financial processes for consistency, scalability, and audit readiness.
• Lead collections on aged receivables, resolution of past-due payables (including vendor coordination for missing invoices), and cleanup of historical misapplications.
• Collaborate cross-functionally on ERP utilization (Acumatica), financial reviews, and strategic projects.
• Manage and mentor 1-3 accounting staff and respond to internal / external financial inquiries.

QUALIFICATIONS :

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

This position is active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching all day with the ability to be mobile throughout required work areas.

WHAT WE OFFER :

PRE-EMPLOYMENT TESTING :

External hiring into this position is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment, post offer drug screen, background and reference check.

Grip-Tite Manufacturing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.