Financial Controller

Job Details Job Location Sandusky International - Sandusky, OH   Description

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Financial Controller to join our manufacturing team. This role is pivotal in driving operational change and efficiency and will work closely with the General Manager to support and enhance financial performance, cost management, and process improvements. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, detail-oriented professional with a strong understanding of manufacturing operations, and a drive to implement financial strategies that optimize business performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Reporting & Month-End Close:
  
  • Lead the month-end close process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with internal policies and GAAP.
  • Prepare, analyze, and present financial statements and management reports for leadership, highlighting key trends and opportunities.
  • Coordinate with other departments to ensure accurate and timely reporting of financials.
  
  
• Costing & Variance Analysis:
  • Develop and maintain accurate costing systems, partnering with production teams to understand cost drivers.
  • Analyze variances between actual and standard costs, providing insights into cost drivers, process inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address and resolve cost-related issues, driving initiatives to improve profitability.
  
  
• Inventory Management:
  • Oversee inventory valuation, ensuring accuracy in reporting and compliance with inventory policies.
  • Monitor inventory levels, identify excess or obsolete inventory, and work with operations to optimize stock levels.
  • Lead inventory audits and cycle counts to validate inventory accuracy and strengthen internal controls.
  
  
• Process Improvement & Efficiency:
  • Partner with the General Manager and operations teams to identify, analyze, and implement process improvements across the organization.
  • Lead efforts to streamline financial and operational processes, driving efficiencies in reporting, data management, and cost control.
  • Develop financial models and KPIs to track operational performance and assess potential cost-saving initiatives.
  
  
• Budgeting & Forecasting:
  • Develop and support the annual budgeting and forecasting process, working with plant management to ensure alignment with corporate financial goals.
  • Analyze budget-to-actual results, identifying trends and recommending corrective actions where needed.
  • Provide scenario analysis and ad-hoc reporting as needed to support strategic decision-making.
  
  
• Balance Sheet, P&L, Cash Flow:
  • Lead the monthly re-forecasting process, updating assumptions and revising projections based on actual performance and market changes
  • Manage, track, and report key working capital metrics (AR, AP, Inventory, Advance Billing) providing insights and recommendations for improvement
  • Manage to positive annual cash flow
  
  
• Long-Term Planning:
  • Generate strategic financial models for multi-year planning and investment scenarios, providing insights into potential growth opportunities or cost implications
  • Provide financial evaluations (Business cases and DCF analysis) and approval support for capital projects
  
  
• Reporting on Key Financial Metrics:
  • Develop and maintain reports that track KPIs such as cost per unit, margin analysis, yield, and labor efficiency.
  
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) in Business or Accounting from a four-year college or university
• A minimum of 5 years of experience as a Financial Controller or similar role in a manufacturing environment.
• A minimum of three years of experience in an accounting leadership position
• Strong understanding of cost accounting, job costing, and variance analysis.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel skills
• Computer Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point.
• Technical skills in account reconciliation and cost analysis.
• Strong managerial skills with ability to interface with internal and external customers, auditors, and senior management.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with cross-functional teams to drive change and process improvements.
• Exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and provide actionable insights.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with a commitment to meeting deadlines.
• Strong presentation skills, both oral and written.
• A hands-on approach, with a genuine interest in understanding the manufacturing process and collaborating closely with production teams.