Job Description
We are seeking a hands-on Controller to lead the accounting function for a growing food manufacturing organization. This role blends strong corporate controllership discipline (close, controls, reporting, audit readiness) with practical manufacturing finance expertise (inventory, standard costing, variance analysis, and plant KPI support). The Controller will oversee daily accounting activities required to maintain the company’s general ledger, strengthen processes and internal controls, partner with operations, and deliver timely, accurate financial insights to leadership.
Starting Salary: $130K - $165K per year
Leadership, Daily Accounting Oversight & General Ledger
• Supervise, direct, and review the work of the accounting staff, including (but not limited to):
• Maintain an organized set of detailed records and files to document financial transactions.
• Resolve complex accounting issues and/or assist other personnel in resolving financial issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.
Monthly, Quarterly & Annual Close (Corporate Controller-Level Ownership)
• Help coordinate and lead monthly, quarterly, and annual closing activities; ensure timelines are met and entries are accurate.
• Produce monthly internal reporting packages and quarterly/annual financial statements.
• Prepare ad hoc financial reports and analyses for leadership as needed.
• Ensure consistent application of GAAP and company accounting policies across all transactions.
Manufacturing Accounting, Costing & Inventory Controls (Food Manufacturing Focus)
• Oversee inventory accounting for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods, including shrink, obsolescence, and cycle counts.
• Own standard costing and/or actual costing processes; ensure BOMs, routings, yields, and overhead rates are maintained and accurate.
• Lead variance analysis (PPV, usage, yield, labor, overhead absorption) and partner with plant leaders to identify root causes and corrective actions.
• Ensure strong controls around receiving, transfers, production reporting, and inventory adjustments.
Internal Controls, Audit Readiness & Process Improvement
• Design, implement, and strengthen internal controls across accounting and plant-related financial processes.
• Make and implement recommendations to improve accounting processes, procedures, and documentation.
• Coordinate audit support (annual audit and any customer/retailer documentation requests as applicable).
• Support compliance activities (sales/use tax, filings, and other reporting) in coordination with external partners as needed.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Business Partnership
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting; build plant-level cost models and assumptions.
• Provide scenario modeling (pricing, volume shifts, commodities, labor, capex) to support leadership decisions.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, HR, and Sales to align financial planning with execution.
Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years progressive accounting experience with Controller or Corporate Controller-level responsibilities.
• Food manufacturing experience required (inventory, costing, and variance analysis in a plant environment).
• Strong understanding of GAAP.
• Ability to develop and establish financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Ability to effectively direct, supervise, and develop a team.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to prepare accurate reports on time.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain detailed records.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and to perform under stressful conditions.
• Ability to exercise initiative, sound judgment, and discretion under varying conditions.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel (required); familiarity with Word, PowerPoint, and related business software.
Preferred
• CPA and/or MBA.
• Corporate reporting experience in a multi-entity environment and/or consolidations.
• ERP experience in manufacturing (e.g., Sage X3, NetSuite, SAP, Dynamics, etc.).
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with GASB standards is a plus (not required).
Additional Information
Work Environment
• Mix of office and plant floor presence; may require walking the production area to support inventory processes and operational finance needs.
• Occasional extended hours during month-end close, audits, and system or process implementations.
This position description highlights a general description of duties and responsibilities. Employee(s) may be assigned other duties, in addition to or in lieu of those described herein, and any duties are subject to change at any time, according to the needs of Company.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
English Level Requirement: Proficient C1-C2.
Driver License: Yes