Controller

The Controller serves as a strategic finance leader responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance while acting as a key partner to executive leadership and operations. This role manages the full month-end close cycle, guides audit readiness, and ensures adherence to GAAP, while translating financial data into actionable insights that improve plant-level performance and overall business profitability. The position partners closely with operations to evaluate cost drivers such as yield, waste, downtime, and inventory, and plays a key role in modernizing financial processes through ERP systems, automation tools, and data-driven reporting. This is a highly visible position with the opportunity to grow into broader financial leadership over time.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cost accounting activities.
• Own the full month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and maintain a strong technical accounting foundation across all financial reporting activities.
• Lead audit readiness efforts, including preparation of audit documentation and coordination with external auditors.
• Develop, implement, and strengthen internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the integrity of financial data.
• Partner closely with plant operations and leadership to analyze cost drivers such as yield, scrap, waste, downtime, labor efficiency, and inventory levels.
• Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights that support decision-making at both the plant and executive levels.
• Evaluate and improve accounting processes in a growing or evolving environment, introducing structure, organization, and accountability where needed.
• Leverage ERP systems and automation tools to modernize financial processes, enhance reporting capabilities, and improve visibility into financial performance.
• Support and lead financial aspects of growth initiatives, including potential mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities as needed.
• Prepare and present financial information and performance updates to non-financial stakeholders in a clear and understandable manner.
• Balance strategic financial leadership with hands-on execution in day-to-day accounting and finance activities.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve profitability, operational efficiency, and scalability through data-driven analysis.

• 5–10 years of progressive experience in accounting or finance.
• Strong GAAP and technical accounting foundation with hands-on experience owning financial statements, close processes, and audit preparation from start to finish.
• Proven experience in a manufacturing environment with a clear understanding of cost accounting and inventory management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of plant-level financial drivers such as yield, scrap, waste, downtime, and labor efficiency.
• Ability to partner cross-functionally with operations and leadership, translating financial data into actionable insights.
• Experience building or strengthening internal controls and improving accounting processes in a growing or evolving environment.
• Comfort working in less structured environments and creating processes, organization, and accountability from the ground up.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• High level of adaptability, accountability, and ownership with a willingness to operate with autonomy.
• Strong attention to detail combined with the ability to see the broader financial and operational picture.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• MBA or CFA considered a plus but not required.
• Experience with ERP systems such as NetSuite or Workday.
• Familiarity with automation tools and data-driven reporting solutions.
• Exposure to or involvement in M&A activities is beneficial.

The role is primarily based in an office environment, working in a cubicle setting adjacent to a manufacturing facility. The setting is generally laid-back and collaborative, with regular interaction between finance and operations teams. The position requires comfort working near a plant environment while performing office-based financial and analytical work. Standard business attire appropriate for an office within a manufacturing setting is expected, with any additional safety or facility-related requirements provided as needed.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $170000.00/yr.

Comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, etc.) that begin on day one of hire. Voluntary benefits including additional life, disability, short term disability, etc. 401k & company provided match Unlimited PTO Opportunity to work remotely one day per week Tuition Reimbursement Company led Leadership & Development Programs 10 Company Paid Holidays Bonus Incentive Programs (Note, bonuses are subject to the rules governing the program, whereby an award, if any, depends on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.)

This is a fully onsite position in Saint Louis,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.