Controller

This role is designed for a hands-on accounting professional who can lead the day-to-day accounting function while partnering closely with operations and plant leadership. The Controller will own the month-end close process, oversee general ledger activity, support audit readiness, supervise staff, and help develop stronger cost accounting and operational reporting capabilities. The organization is specifically seeking an operational accounting leader rather than a purely FP&A or reporting-focused professional. Success in this role requires someone who understands the why behind financial results and can work directly with manufacturing and production teams to investigate drivers, resolve issues, and improve processes. Key Responsibilities: Own and manage the month-end close process and general ledger activity Maintain accuracy and integrity of financial records Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal accounting standards Support audit readiness and coordinate requests across departments Supervise, mentor, and develop two bookkeepers Establish accountability, structure, and process consistency within the accounting function Support continued growth and scalability of the department Partner closely with operations, purchasing, and plant management Investigate variances and identify operational cost drivers Support the development and enhancement of cost accounting processes alongside the VP of Finance Translate accounting concepts into practical, understandable language for non-financial stakeholders Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements Improve systems utilization and workflow efficiency over time Support scalability as the business continues expanding Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across accounting and operations Required Experience: 5+ years of accounting experience within an inventory-heavy or cost-driven environment Strong ownership of month-end close and general ledger accounting Supervisory or team leadership experience ERP experience within a manufacturing environment Strong understanding of GAAP Preferred Experience: Manufacturing industry experience strongly preferred IQMS experience is a plus, though not required CPA or Master's degree preferred but not required Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.