Controller

Description

The Controller is responsible for overseeing the company’s accounting operations and providing accurate, timely financial information to support business decisions. This hands-on role combines traditional controllership responsibilities with a strong focus on cost accounting, inventory, manufacturing operations, and financial controls. This position will improve reporting, strengthen processes, and ensure the integrity of financial results across multiple locations and business units. The Controller will report to the VP of Finance and will be located onsite in Tacoma, Washington.

· Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, fixed assets, inventory, and financial close activities.

· Lead and coordinate accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, including journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and financial statement preparation.

· Develop, maintain, and analyze cost accounting processes for manufacturing operations, including standard costs, actual costs, inventory valuation, production variances, freight, labor, and overhead allocations.

· Partner with business leaders to understand cost drivers, identify variances, and improve financial performance.

· Prepare and present financial reports, forecasts, budgets, and management analyses that clearly explain business results, risks, trends, and opportunities.

· Maintain strong internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures to protect company assets and ensure consistent financial practices across locations.

· Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax requirements, audit requests, lender requirements, and other applicable financial reporting obligations.

· Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes, including department and location-level planning, capital expenditures, and cash flow projections.

· Develop and maintain a rolling 13-week cash flow forecast to support liquidity management.

· Provide financial leadership and accounting support for acquisitions, integrations, system changes, and other strategic initiatives.

· Use SAP Business One (SAP B1) and related systems to improve data accuracy, reporting, controls, and process efficiency; assist with system implementation, optimization, and user support as needed.

· Review inventory counts, reconciliations, reserves, and adjustments, and work with operations to resolve discrepancies and improve inventory controls.

· Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, banks, insurance providers, and other professional partners.

· Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, reduce manual work, and improve the timeliness and quality of financial information.

· Provide guidance, training, and oversight to accounting team members and business partners; this role may directly supervise accounting staff depending on organizational needs.

· Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred.

· At least 7 years of progressive accounting experience, including significant experience in a controller, assistant controller, cost accountant, or similar hands-on financial leadership role.

· Demonstrated cost accounting experience in manufacturing, construction materials, industrial operations, transportation, distribution, or a related environment.

· Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and multi-location accounting.

· Experience with inventory accounting, standard costing, variance analysis, fixed assets, and capital project accounting.

· SAP Business One (SAP B1) experience strongly preferred; experience with SAP implementation, conversion, optimization, or financial reporting is a plus.

· Experience with purchase accounting and opening balance sheet establishment in an asset acquisition or business combination context is a plus.

· Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and the ability to work with large data sets, financial models, and reporting tools.

· Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, practical guidance for operational and executive leaders.

· Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

· Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and operate effectively in a fast-paced, growing organization.

· Experience supporting acquisitions, integrations, or business transformation initiatives preferred.

· Ability to travel to company locations as business needs require.

· Ability to work on-site and maintain regular, reliable attendance.

Position Competencies:

Organized and Strong Attention to Detail

Dedication to producing error-free, accurate work.

Gets things done.

Successfully juggles multiple projects. 

Manages time efficiently.

Drive for Results

Bias for action and getting things done.

Taking calculated risks.

Prioritize and push projects and initiatives to completion.

Follows up with various parties.

Teamwork

Develops and leverages cooperative relationships.

Willingly shares information/resources and assists others.

Contributes constructively to the team decision making process.

Supports the team decision with comments/actions outside the team.

Fosters development by giving feedback, coaching, and mentoring.

Embraces and Drives Change

Demonstrates energy for effective implementation of change.

Sees what is possible.

Takes responsible risk.

Owns & sustains the change.

Personal Growth Mindset

Able to reflect and learn from mistakes. 

Is curious and asks questions.

Seeks to continuously improve themselves and everyone around them.

Builder Mindset

Comfortable establishing processes, systems, and controls where none previously existed.

Makes sound decisions with incomplete or imperfect information.

Serves as a steady, credible presence for employees, customers, and suppliers.