Manufacturing Controller

G

GRIP-TITE MANUFACTURING CO,LLC

Manufacturing Controller

Johnston, IA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Position Title: Controller

    Reports To: CEO

    Department: Administration

    Employment Status: Full Time / Exempt

    Location: Johnston, IA

    ABOUT US:

    Grip-Tite Manufacturing, headquartered in Winterset, Iowa, is a 100+ year-old American manufacturer specializing in high-quality earth anchoring solutions for the foundation repair and utility industries. As a "100-year startup," we combine proven craftsmanship with innovative growth, pursuing an ambitious $80M revenue target by scaling high-margin utility and foundation repair segments and advancing smart technologies to gain market share.

    PRIMARY PURPOSE:

    We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller to oversee financial operations and support our growth objectives. Reporting directly to the CEO and based in our Johnston, Iowa office, this role will manage day-to-day accounting, enhance reporting and controls, drive profitability analysis, and contribute to strategic initiatives including budgeting, cost management, and process improvements. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable in a fast-paced entrepreneurial manufacturing environment.

    WHY GRIP-TITE MANUFACTURING CO.? Grip-Tite Manufacturing Co. offers a challenging work environment, competitive benefits, and a culture that promotes growth, along with celebrating success. Here at Grip-Tite we realize that our greatest assets are our employees, and we are committed to developing and promoting our talented individuals to support our future leadership needs.

    KEY RESPONSIBILITES:

    • Oversee core accounting operations, including accounts payable (A/P), accounts receivable (A/R), banking transactions (daily reconciliations, funds transfers, ACH/wire setup and approvals), and general ledger maintenance.
    • Perform daily bank reconciliations, verify and set up vendor payments, approve ACH/wires, and handle recurring monthly entries (e.g., auto-deducts, commissions).
    • Prepare weekly cash reports, review and modify A/P selections, process payroll journal entries, and make month-end expense/accrual entries to support accurate financial close.
    • Enhance financial reporting through timely monthly/quarterly/annual statements, in-depth reviews, GL code restructuring, and development of meaningful metrics and dashboards.
    • Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes; monitor variances and provide insights to management.
    • Analyze profitability by product line, segment, and customer; refine cost accounting systems (job costing, variances) to improve pricing and decision-making.
    • Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities; evaluate spending trends and recommend efficiencies.
    • Ensure compliance with sales tax filings, excise tax reporting, insurance renewals, and regulatory requirements.
    • Document key financial processes for consistency, scalability, and audit readiness.
    • Lead collections on aged receivables, resolution of past-due payables (including vendor coordination for missing invoices), and cleanup of historical misapplications.
    • Collaborate cross-functionally on ERP utilization (Acumatica), financial reviews, and strategic projects.
    • Manage and mentor 1-3 accounting staff and respond to internal/external financial inquiries.

    QUALIFICATIONS:

    • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA or CMA strongly preferred.
    • 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 3 years as a Controller or similar role in a manufacturing company ($20M–$60M revenue ideal).
    • Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, cost accounting, and internal controls in a manufacturing setting.
    • Proficiency in ERP systems (experience with Acumatica a plus), advanced Excel, and financial modeling.
    • Proven ability to manage full-cycle accounting, improve processes, and deliver accurate, timely reporting.
    • Experience with banking operations (ACH/wires, reconciliations), payroll, sales/excise tax compliance, and insurance administration.
    • Excellent analytical skills with a track record of driving profitability insights and cost reductions.
    • Strong communication skills to present financial data clearly to executive and operational teams.
    • Thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented "100-year startup" environment.

    PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

    This position is active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching all day with the ability to be mobile throughout required work areas.

    WHAT WE OFFER:

    • Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus performance-based incentives.
    • Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
    • Collaborative workplace in Johnston, Iowa.
    • Opportunity to play a central role in a legacy company’s next phase of growth and innovation.

    PRE-EMPLOYMENT TESTING:

    External hiring into this position is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment, post offer drug screen, background and reference check.

    Grip-Tite Manufacturing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.