Controller

Bell & Associates has partnered with an established global manufacturing organization seeking an experienced Division Controller to lead the accounting and financial operations of a key business unit.

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing Controller who brings strong technical accounting expertise, deep manufacturing cost accounting experience, and the ability to partner directly with senior business and operational leadership.

The ideal candidate has progressed through accounting and controllership roles within manufacturing and understands how plant-level operations impact financial performance, profitability, inventory, and working capital.

This position offers the opportunity to lead an accounting and finance organization while serving as a key business partner in a decentralized, results-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Controllership

• Lead all accounting and controllership activities, including monthly close, financial reporting, general ledger, reconciliations, and balance-sheet management.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Maintain strong internal controls, accounting policies, and audit compliance.
• Oversee financial reporting, consolidations, and accounting processes across the business.
• Drive continuous improvement in accounting processes, reporting accuracy, and financial controls.

Manufacturing & Cost Accounting

• Oversee manufacturing cost accounting, including standard costing, inventory valuation, COGS, and overhead absorption.
• Analyze material, labor, overhead, scrap, and manufacturing variances.
• Partner directly with plant leadership to understand manufacturing performance and identify cost-reduction opportunities.
• Support inventory management, working capital improvements, and operational efficiency initiatives.
• Provide financial analysis related to manufacturing productivity, capital investments, and profitability.

Business Partnership & Financial Leadership

• Partner with senior business leadership on financial performance, profitability, operational improvements, and strategic initiatives.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis activities.
• Translate financial and operational results into actionable business recommendations.
• Support pricing, margin analysis, capital expenditures, and long-term business planning.
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and finance professionals.
• Build strong relationships with Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, and other functional leaders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; Accounting strongly preferred.
• CPA and/or MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including significant experience in manufacturing.
• Prior leadership experience as a Plant Controller, Division Controller, Business Unit Controller, Director of Accounting, or similar role.
• Strong manufacturing cost accounting experience required, including standard costing, inventory, COGS, and manufacturing variance analysis.
• Demonstrated ownership of month-end close, financial reporting, general ledger, internal controls, and balance-sheet management.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations and partnering with plant leadership.
• Proven ability to lead and develop accounting and finance teams.
• Strong ERP systems experience.
• Ability to balance hands-on accounting leadership with broader business and operational responsibilities.