Controller – Manufacturing Finance Lead

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Controller to lead plant‑level accounting and financial oversight for a manufacturing operation in Traverse City, Michigan. The role will ensure accurate reporting, cost analysis, budgeting and internal controls while partnering closely with operational leaders to improve financial visibility and decision‑making.

Key responsibilities

• Lead accounting functions across the general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, fixed assets and manufacturing cost accounting.
• Manage month‑end close activities, including journal entries, balance‑sheet reconciliations and financial statement review.
• Produce weekly and monthly performance reports on production efficiency, material usage, labor trends and spending variances.
• Develop forecasts, support the annual operating plan and collaborate with department leaders on financial assumptions and analysis.
• Track cost‑savings initiatives, validate projected savings and monitor actual results.
• Maintain internal‑control compliance, coordinate testing activities and oversee purchasing‑card reconciliation.
• Partner with plant and floor leadership to resolve accounting issues and improve manufacturing data accuracy.
• Analyze product cost and overhead performance, including accruals, volume variances and standard‑cost deviations.
• Validate weekly payroll, verify finished‑goods production reporting and prepare detailed cost estimates and inventory reconciliations.
• Present monthly profit‑and‑loss results to leadership and support annual inventory reconciliation.

Required profile

• 5+ years of experience in accounting or finance, with significant responsibility in a controller or manufacturing finance environment.
• Hands‑on experience with month‑end close, journal entries, reconciliations, accruals and financial statement review.
• Strong background in budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis within a manufacturing setting.
• Proven ability to communicate financial results clearly to plant leadership and collaborate across operations.

Required skills

• Proficiency with NetSuite or a comparable ERP system.
• Working knowledge of cost accounting, inventory controls, payroll validation and fixed‑asset accounting.
• Familiarity with internal‑control compliance and audit support, including structured testing and documentation.