A privately held, long-established company in the Lenexa, Kansas area is seeking a Controller to lead its accounting and finance function through a once-in-a-generation transition. This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on accounting leader who can absorb decades of institutional knowledge, build trust with ownership and the existing team, and then help modernize systems, processes, and financial operations for the next chapter of the business.

This is not a maintenance role. The incoming Controller will spend the initial transition period learning the business directly from a 40-year incumbent before assuming full ownership of the finance function, leading the accounting team, partnering directly with the Owner/CEO, and helping drive a future ERP implementation and broader process transformation.

What You'll Do as the Controller:

Work closely with the retiring Controller during an extended transition period to learn the company's accounting processes, systems, history, and operating rhythms
Take ownership of the full accounting function as the transition progresses
Oversee Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, commission payouts, invoicing, and General Ledger activity
Lead month-end and year-end close processes
Manage external audit coordination and serve as a primary contact for banking relationships
Maintain tax compliance and support 401(k) administration and related reporting
Lead and develop an accounting team that includes an Accounting Supervisor, an AR Specialist, and two remote AR team members
Provide accurate financial reporting and strategic insight to ownership
Build strong working relationships with the Owner/CEO, accounting team, auditors, banks, and other business partners
Identify outdated, redundant, or overly manual accounting processes after fully understanding why they exist
Help evaluate, select, and implement a new ERP system
Modernize workflows and financial systems while protecting operational stability
Bring forward thoughtful process improvements and help shape the future structure of the finance function
Serve as the senior finance leader in the organization with a potential long-term path toward CFO-level responsibility

Must-Haves as the Controller:

10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience
Controller-level experience or equivalent responsibility for a full accounting function
Hands-on experience across AP, AR, Payroll, General Ledger, close, audit, and financial reporting
Experience managing and developing an accounting team
Proven experience navigating at least one meaningful systems transition, ERP implementation, accounting transformation, or comparable change initiative
Strong understanding of GAAP and financial controls
Ability to operate as both a strategic leader and a hands-on working Controller
Strong emotional intelligence and ability to build credibility with ownership and long-tenured employees
Patience and maturity to learn an established system before attempting to change it
Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a founder-led or privately held environment
Long-term mindset and willingness to commit through a substantial transition period
Ability to work fully onsite in the Lenexa, KS area

Nice-to-Haves as the Controller:

Prior ERP implementation leadership
Experience replacing or succeeding a long-tenured Controller or finance leader
Experience in a small-to-mid-sized privately held company
Experience working directly with an Owner/CEO
Background modernizing manual or spreadsheet-heavy accounting environments
Experience with commission-based payroll or complex payroll structures
Strong banking, treasury, or cash management experience
Experience leading accounting teams through significant process change
Interest in growing into a future CFO-level role

This Role Offers:

Base salary of $135,000-$165,000, depending on experience
Potential flexibility up to approximately $175,000 for an exceptional candidate with strong ERP implementation experience and outstanding cultural fit
Potential staged compensation structure tied to successful transition and expanded ownership of the role
Direct access to the Owner/CEO and a genuine seat at the leadership table
No CFO above this role, creating significant autonomy and visibility
Extended 6-9 month knowledge-transfer period with the retiring Controller
Opportunity to lead a future ERP implementation and modernization effort
Long-term path toward broader finance leadership and potential CFO-level responsibility
Stable, privately held company with more than 60 years of operating history
Opportunity to shape the future of the accounting and finance function rather than simply maintain an existing system
Benefits package including health coverage, 401(k), PTO, and additional company benefits, with final details to be confirmed

Trueline is an unabashed equal-opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. We welcome smart and ambitious applicants and recruit, refer, hire, place, and promote without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.

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