Controller (Client Opening)
- Grand Rapids, MI, United States
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Job details
- Experience
- 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles.
- Posting language
- English
Original job description
Company Overview
A well-established organization that provides specialized products and services, with a strong focus on customer support and reliable solutions that help clients operate efficiently and effectively.
Position Summary
The Controller is a senior finance leader responsible for managing all accounting operations and supporting strategic decision-making. This role oversees financial reporting, cost analysis, internal controls, and team leadership to maintain financial integrity and operational efficiency.
Core Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Compliance:
- Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
- Provide meaningful and relevant analysis of financial performance and key operating metrics; providing actionable information
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.
- Oversee audits and maintain strong internal controls to mitigate risk.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis:
- Develop annual budgets and rolling forecasts; monitor variances and provide actionable insights.
- Conduct financial modeling and scenario analysis to support strategic planning.
Cost & Inventory Management:
- Manage inventory costing and analysis for chemical products.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
Cash Flow & Risk Management:
- Monitor cash positions and funding requirements; manage debt and banking relationships.
- Implement risk management strategies and ensure liquidity for operations.
Leadership & Team Development:
- Lead, manage, and inspire a team of 6 (5 accounting staff and 1 receptionist), ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities.
- Provide strong leadership by setting clear goals, monitoring performance, and fostering a culture of accountability and engagement.
- Recruit, train, and continuously develop team members to meet evolving business needs and support career growth.
- Motivate and coach staff to achieve excellence, encouraging collaboration and professional development.
Process Improvement & Technology:
- Streamline financial processes and introduce automation or ERP enhancements.
- Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred.
- 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles.
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, cost accounting, and tax compliance.
- Experience in chemical manufacturing or distribution highly desirable.
- Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership abilities.
Key Competencies
- Strategic thinking with attention to detail
- Ability to manage complexity and drive process improvements
- Strong interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration
- Ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams effectively
- High emotional intelligence and empathy in leadership
- Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
- Resilience under pressure and adaptability to change
- Demonstrates resilience and maintains professionalism when navigating complex stakeholder dynamics.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package including Medical/Rx, Dental, Vision, Life/AD&D, STD
- 401(k) with company match
- Voluntary benefit options
More about this job
Skills
- Financial reporting
- Team leadership
- Regulatory compliance
- Financial statements
- Budget management
- Forecasting
- Financial modelling
- Strategic planning
- Inventory management
- Manage inventory
- Chemical products
- Risk management
- Leadership
- Team building
- Coach employees
- Collaboration
- Process improvement
- Financial department processes
- ERP
- Month-end close
- CPA
- Cost accounting
- Microsoft Excel
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Interpersonal skills
- Conflict resolution
- Negotiation
- Adaptability