Website Summary

Join trak group in partnering with an established Cincinnati manufacturing company seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting operations, strengthen financial processes, and support the modernization of its financial systems.

This highly visible leadership opportunity is ideal for an accounting professional with strong technical expertise, manufacturing experience, and a passion for process improvement. The Controller will initially oversee day-to-day accounting operations while working closely with senior financial leadership to gain a comprehensive understanding of the business and progressively assume greater financial responsibilities.

This position offers a unique opportunity to grow into the company's long-term Controller role, lead an accounting team, influence an upcoming ERP transformation, and help shape the organization's future financial operations.

Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Lead daily accounting operations, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, general ledger, and payroll accounting.

• Oversee monthly and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.

• Manage account reconciliations, accruals, fixed assets, and supporting financial schedules.

• Oversee payroll accounting, including taxes, deductions, benefits, garnishments, and related reconciliations.

• Maintain strong AP controls involving purchase orders, invoice matching, vendor management, and payment processing.

• Monitor AR aging, collections, customer credit, cash application, and account reconciliations.

• Support financial statement preparation, management reporting, and external audits.

• Ensure accurate accounting for freight, duties, tariffs, and other landed costs.

• Investigate financial discrepancies, unusual transactions, and accounting variances.

Accounting Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting personnel across AP, AR, and other accounting functions.

• Establish clear responsibilities, performance expectations, and accountability standards.

• Improve departmental efficiency through standardized procedures, documentation, and cross-training.

• Provide technical accounting guidance and resolve complex financial issues.

• Build a scalable accounting function capable of supporting future business growth and system enhancements.

ERP Implementation & Financial Systems Modernization

• Play a key leadership role in an upcoming financial ERP upgrade and modernization initiative.

• Support the planned transition to Infor XA eFin, including process mapping, system configuration, testing, and implementation.

• Evaluate existing accounting workflows and identify opportunities for automation and improved efficiency.

• Partner with internal departments to improve ERP integration across Accounting, Purchasing, Receiving, and Operations.

• Support data validation, system conversions, reconciliations, and user adoption.

• Develop improved financial reporting, internal controls, and automated transaction processes.

• Reduce reliance on manual spreadsheets, duplicate data entry, and inefficient workflows.

• Serve as a key Finance resource for ongoing ERP optimization and system improvements.

Manufacturing & Cost Accounting

• Support inventory accounting, valuation, reconciliations, and annual physical inventory.

• Analyze manufacturing costs, including raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods, labor, overhead, and scrap.

• Evaluate cost variances, inventory discrepancies, and financial trends.

• Ensure accurate accounting for manufacturing-related expenses, freight, duties, and tariffs.

• Collaborate with Operations, Purchasing, and other departments to improve financial accuracy.

• Identify cost drivers, operational risks, and opportunities to improve profitability.

• Support financial analysis that connects manufacturing performance with business results.

Financial Controls & Process Improvement

• Evaluate and strengthen accounting procedures, internal controls, and financial reporting processes.

• Identify opportunities to streamline operations, improve accuracy, and reduce manual work.

• Improve financial close timelines and reporting consistency.

• Implement practical process improvements that enhance efficiency and scalability.

• Leverage ERP capabilities and financial data to improve management visibility and decision-making.

• Support risk management and compliance with established accounting standards.

Financial Leadership & Controller Development

• Partner with senior financial leadership to progressively assume broader financial responsibilities.

• Expand involvement in budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial planning.

• Support banking relationships, tax coordination, and audit management.

• Participate in capital expenditure analysis and financial decision-making.

• Develop deeper expertise in manufacturing financial performance and cost accounting.

• Prepare for a long-term transition into full Controller responsibilities.

Must-Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

• Progressive accounting experience demonstrating increasing responsibility and technical expertise.

• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Experience managing month-end close, general ledger, account reconciliations, and financial reporting.

• Hands-on experience with Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and payroll accounting.

• Previous experience supervising, mentoring, or developing accounting personnel.

• Strong understanding of accounting procedures, financial controls, and reporting requirements.

• Experience working with financial systems and ERP-based accounting processes.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong financial systems capabilities.

• Ability to analyze financial information, investigate discrepancies, and resolve complex accounting issues.

• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with Operations, Purchasing, Human Resources, and executive leadership.

• Process improvement mindset with the ability to identify inefficiencies and implement solutions.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.

Preferred

• Manufacturing accounting experience.

• Experience with inventory accounting, product costing, and manufacturing cost analysis.

• Background in ERP-based purchasing, receiving, invoice matching, and payment processes.

• Experience participating in an ERP implementation, upgrade, conversion, or financial systems modernization project.

• Familiarity with Infor XA, MAPICS, IBM i / AS400, or comparable manufacturing ERP platforms.

• Experience with EDI, automated transaction processing, and ERP-integrated customer or supplier transactions.

• Knowledge of international suppliers, cross-border payments, imports/exports, duties, and tariffs.

• Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial planning.

• Background improving internal controls, financial reporting, and accounting department efficiency.

• CPA or CMA certification.

Position Details

• Position: Controller

• Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

• Industry: Manufacturing

• Career Growth: Long-term opportunity to transition into full Controller leadership

• Key Initiatives: Accounting Team Leadership, ERP Modernization, Manufacturing Cost Accounting, and Financial Process Improvement