Our client, a well-established U.S.-based manufacturer of lightweight PVC conveyor belts, is seeking a highly skilled on-site Controller to join their team at their Spring Hope, North Carolina facility. The company serves a wide range of industries, including food processing, packaging and baggage handling, recycling, and agriculture.
As a critical leadership role within a lean structure, the Controller will take full ownership of the finance and accounting function. This is a hands-on position requiring strong business acumen, manufacturing experience, and the ability to manage all aspects of financial operations. The ideal candidate will be analytical, process-driven, and capable of operating both strategically and tactically.
Job Summary:
The Controller will be responsible for all accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls. This includes oversight of accounts payable/receivable, journal entries, payroll, cost accounting, ERP systems, tax compliance, and financial planning. The position requires a proactive and resourceful individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can independently manage priorities, and has a strong understanding of best practices in financial management within a manufacturing business.
This role will also liaise with group auditors and the Controller at the European headquarters to ensure accurate year-end financial results and successful audit outcomes, and will supervise a part-time administrative employee responsible for entering accounts payable (AP) and supporting other administrative functions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee and execute all accounting functions: A/P, A/R, general ledger, journal entries, account reconciliations, and fixed assets.
- Manage monthly, quarterly, and year-end closings; prepare financial statements including P&L, balance sheets, and cash flow reports.
- Ensure timely payroll processing in coordination with a third-party payroll provider.
- Lead all budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning efforts; analyze actual vs. budget and identify variances.
- Maintain accurate cost accounting and inventory records to support margin analysis and production costing.
- Prepare and file sales and use tax, state/local reports; assist with tax filings and audits.
- Review and validate system-generated financial data; ensure accuracy and reasonableness.
- Monitor and develop complex management reports for leadership and ownership.
- Work closely with leadership to implement improvements in financial processes and internal controls.
- Liaise with group auditors and the Controller at European HQ to ensure accurate end-of-year financial results and audit outcomes.
- Supervise a part-time administrative employee responsible for AP entry and general administrative support.
- Act as the ERP system owner, ensuring functionality and leading ongoing system improvements (SAP Business One experience highly preferred).
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
- CPA or CMA preferred
- Minimum 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience
- At least 3 years of accounting experience within a manufacturing environment
- Proficient in ERP systems, particularly SAP Business One
- Strong understanding of GAAP, internal controls, cost accounting, inventory management, and revenue recognition
- Ability to balance high-level financial planning with daily transactional execution
- Experience preparing and analyzing financial reports for multiple stakeholders
- Strong problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills
- High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills