Controller (On-site)

We are seeking a Controller for a full time and direct hire role for one of our amazing partners located just north of Cincinnati, Ohio. Must be located locally and willing to work onsite. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Controller to help with finance transformation & business growth. This is more than a traditional Controller position. It is an opportunity to architect the future finance organization of a growing company. You will have a meaningful impact on systems, processes, financial strategy, and operational performance while partnering directly with executive leadership to position the business for its next phase of growth.

Overview:

You will build and lead a world-class finance organization during a period of significant operational transformation. They are a growing manufacturing and engineering company with approximately $14 million in annual revenue, and they are investing in scalable financial processes, systems, and controls to support future expansion. You will serve as a strategic business partner to executive leadership, leading the evolution of the accounting function from a transactional environment to a disciplined, data-driven organization. You will champion the transition from cash-basis to GAAP-compliant accrual accounting, establish best-in-class financial controls, prepare the company for audit readiness, and lead the finance workstream for the implementation of NetSuite ERP. They need a hands-on leader who enjoys building infrastructure, improving processes, and creating lasting organizational value.

Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership

• Lead all accounting operations, ensuring timely, accurate, and GAAP-compliant financial reporting.
• Direct the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes while reducing close timelines and improving reporting quality.
• Deliver meaningful financial analysis, performance metrics, and business insights that support executive decision-making.
• Maintain the integrity of the balance sheet through disciplined reconciliations and internal controls.

Finance Transformation

• Lead the organization's conversion from cash-basis to accrual accounting.
• Design scalable accounting processes that support continued business growth.
• Develop and implement formal accounting policies, procedures, and documentation standards.
• Establish a comprehensive internal control framework that strengthens governance and financial accuracy.
• Build an audit-ready finance function capable of supporting annual financial audits or Quality of Earnings reviews.

Manufacturing & Cost Accounting

• Oversee all aspects of manufacturing accounting, including standard costing, inventory valuation, and variance analysis.
• Ensure accurate costing methodologies and GAAP-compliant inventory capitalization.
• Partner with operations to improve labor efficiency, material utilization, manufacturing overhead, and overall profitability.
• Maintain accurate bills of material, product costing, and inventory reporting.

ERP & Systems Leadership

• Serve as the finance leader for the migration from QuickBooks Online to NetSuite.
• Redesign the chart of accounts and financial reporting structure to support operational and management reporting.
• Lead data migration, testing, process redesign, user training, and implementation activities.
• Leverage technology to automate workflows, strengthen controls, and improve financial visibility through dashboards and KPI reporting.

Working Capital & Operational Finance

• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and treasury activities.
• Improve cash flow through stronger management of receivables, inventory, and vendor payment strategies.
• Develop rolling cash flow forecasts and provide actionable recommendations to leadership.

Leadership & Business Partnership

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Partner closely with executive leadership and department heads to align financial strategy with business objectives.
• Act as a trusted advisor by identifying opportunities to improve profitability, efficiency, and financial performance.

Requirements:

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least three years in a leadership role.
• Experience in manufacturing, engineering, or other product-based industries.
• Demonstrated success leading accounting transformation initiatives, including conversions from cash to accrual accounting.
• Experience developing accounting policies, internal controls, and scalable financial processes.
• Proven ERP implementation or major systems conversion experience; NetSuite experience is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, cost accounting, inventory accounting, revenue recognition, and financial controls.
• Advanced Excel, financial modeling, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management capabilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA preferred.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. You must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.