Assistant Controller

Assistant Controller

Multi-Entity Manufacturing Organization

Department: Finance & Accounting | Reports To: Corporate Controller

FLSA Status: Exempt | Full-Time

Position Summary

The Assistant Controller is a key member of the corporate finance and accounting team responsible for supporting accounting operations, financial reporting, manufacturing accounting, and process standardization across a complex multi-entity organization. This role requires strong technical accounting knowledge combined with hands-on operational experience within a manufacturing environment, including machine shop and assembly operations.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in manufacturing cost accounting, inventory management, intercompany accounting, and financial reporting within a multi-entity structure. This individual will work cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, warehouse, engineering, and leadership teams to improve financial visibility, strengthen controls, and support organizational growth.

This role is highly collaborative and hands-on and will play a critical role in supporting accounting process improvements, ERP optimization, acquisitions and integrations, and scalable financial infrastructure across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Multi-Entity Accounting & Consolidation

• Assist in preparing consolidated financial statements across all operating entities and legal structures.
• Maintain the integrity of intercompany transactions, eliminations, and reconciliations between entities.
• Ensure consistent application of accounting policies, procedures, and chart of accounts across all companies.
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes for each entity on a timely basis.
• Coordinate with entity-level accounting staff to resolve discrepancies and ensure accurate reporting.

Manufacturing & Inventory Accounting

• Oversee cost accounting functions across machine shop, assembly, and other manufacturing operations.
• Manage and reconcile inventory accounts for raw materials, purchased components, WIP, and finished goods.
• Support standard cost development, variance analysis (material, labor, overhead), and periodic cost updates.
• Partner with operations and warehouse teams to ensure accurate cycle counts, physical inventories, and reconciliations.
• Monitor and analyze inventory valuation, reserve requirements, obsolescence, and shrinkage.
• Ensure proper accounting for manufacturing overhead allocation, labor absorption, and burden rates.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and review monthly financial packages including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.
• Develop and maintain financial dashboards and reporting tools for management and entity-level review.
• Analyze trends, variances, and KPIs; present findings and recommendations to the Controller and leadership team.
• Assist with budget preparation, forecasting, and multi-year financial planning.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain and strengthen internal controls across all entities to safeguard assets and ensure data integrity.
• Assist with external audits, tax preparation support, and regulatory filings; serve as a primary liaison for auditors.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, applicable tax regulations, and company policies across all business units.
• Document and update accounting policies, procedures, and process narratives as needed.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Leverage ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Epicor, or similar) to drive efficiency and accuracy.
• Identify and implement process improvements across accounting workflows, close processes, and reporting.
• Support ERP and system integrations or upgrades as they relate to accounting and inventory modules.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Assist in leading and coordinating close activities across multiple entities and accounting teams.
• Provide guidance, training, and review support to accounting staff as needed.
• Build strong partnerships with operations, supply chain, engineering, purchasing, and warehouse leadership teams.
• Help establish accountability, consistency, and process discipline across the accounting organization.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and operational excellence.

Successful Results Metrics

• Timely and accurate completion of monthly and year-end close processes
• Accurate inventory valuation and reconciliation processes
• Reduction in unreconciled balance sheet items and aging reconciling items
• Timely and accurate intercompany reconciliations and eliminations
• Successful external audit support with minimal audit adjustments
• Improved consistency and standardization across entity accounting processes
• Increased efficiency in close timelines and financial reporting
• Improved inventory accuracy, operational reporting, and manufacturing visibility
• Strong collaboration and partnership with operational teams

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or CMA preferred.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience working within a multi-entity or multi-company organizational structure.
• Strong hands-on experience with manufacturing cost accounting, including machine shop and/or assembly operations.
• Thorough understanding of inventory accounting across the full spectrum: raw materials, components/parts, WIP, and finished goods.
• Proficiency with ERP systems used in manufacturing environments (Odoo experience preferred); strong Excel skills required.
• Solid knowledge of GAAP and experience with intercompany eliminations and consolidated reporting.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic, multi-site environment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills; ability to work cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, and leadership teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or CMA certification.
• Experience with multi-site or subsidiary accounting across diverse industries within one parent organization.
• Familiarity with standard costing, activity-based costing, or job-order costing environments.
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, or integration of new business entities.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position is primarily office-based with regular interaction with plant and warehouse operations. Occasional travel to other company locations may be required. The role may require extended hours during close periods, audits, or special projects.

This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.