Corporate Controller - Manufacturing

Corporate Controller

Location: Lake Forest, CA (Onsite)
Pay: $80,000- $100,000 annually
Job Type: Full-time

About the Company

We are a global leader in the design and manufacturing of high-quality electromechanical components serving industries including industrial automation, automotive, energy, power distribution, and smart manufacturing.

Backed by advanced manufacturing capabilities and decades of innovation, we provide reliable, high-performance products to customers throughout the United States and worldwide.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Corporate Controller to lead the accounting and financial operations of our U.S. organization.

This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, cash management, accounting operations, internal controls, tax coordination, and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will combine strong technical accounting knowledge with practical business judgment and will work closely with executive leadership to ensure accurate financial reporting, strengthen financial controls, improve accounting processes, and support the continued growth of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Accounting

• Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Manage the month-end and year-end close processes and ensure all required reconciliations and supporting schedules are completed accurately and on time.
• Review balance sheet accounts, income statements, cash flow statements, and supporting financial schedules.
• Maintain the general ledger and ensure financial transactions are recorded accurately and consistently.
• Develop and maintain effective accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Identify opportunities to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness of financial reporting.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis

• Lead the annual budgeting process and support periodic financial forecasts.
• Prepare budget-to-actual analyses and explain significant variances.
• Develop departmental and profit-center reporting to provide management with greater visibility into financial performance.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to executive leadership regarding operating performance, costs, margins, and business trends.
• Assist leadership with financial planning, risk management, and identification of opportunities for improved profitability and operational efficiency.

Cash & Treasury Management

• Monitor company cash balances and prepare short- and long-term cash flow projections.
• Manage cash requirements to support daily business operations.
• Assist with banking relationships, cash management activities, and treasury-related matters.
• Monitor working capital, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and inventory-related financial activity.

Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable & Payroll Oversight

• Supervise and support accounting employees responsible for accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Ensure invoices, customer payments, credits, expenses, and other accounting transactions are processed accurately and on time.
• Review aging reports and support efforts to improve collections and working capital.
• Oversee payroll accounting and related reconciliations to ensure accurate and timely processing.
• Maintain appropriate segregation of duties and financial controls throughout accounting operations.

Manufacturing & Operational Accounting

• Review costs associated with company operations, including materials, freight, shipping, outside services, and other operating expenses.
• Partner with operations and management to evaluate costs, margins, and overall financial performance.
• Support inventory accounting, inventory reconciliations, and periodic physical inventory activities.
• Maintain accurate fixed asset records, depreciation schedules, and related documentation.
• Assist management with identifying opportunities for cost control and margin improvement.

Tax, Audit & Compliance

• Prepare schedules and workpapers supporting annual tax filings.
• Coordinate with outside CPA firms and other professional advisors on tax preparation and financial matters.
• Support external audits, reviews, and other financial examinations as required.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, company policies, and federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain accurate documentation to support financial controls and reporting requirements.

Leadership & Process Improvement

• Supervise, mentor, and support accounting team members.
• Establish clear accounting procedures and ensure consistent execution across the department.
• Evaluate current processes and implement improvements to strengthen controls and shorten the financial close cycle.
• Partner with the President and executive leadership on financial policies, procedures, reporting, and business initiatives.
• Provide timely and accurate financial information to support management decision-making.
• Perform additional accounting and financial responsibilities as assigned.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• CPA license required; active California CPA license preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• 3+ years of experience at the Controller level or in a position with comparable financial leadership responsibilities.
• Experience overseeing financial reporting, month-end close, budgeting, forecasting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and internal controls.
• Experience working in a manufacturing, industrial, distribution, or product-based organization strongly preferred.
• Combination of public accounting and private-industry experience is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Ability to identify financial risks, discrepancies, and process improvement opportunities.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and reporting deadlines.
• Ability to clearly communicate financial information and recommendations to both financial and non-financial leadership.
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to work effectively in a growing organization.
• Strong attention to detail while maintaining an understanding of broader business objectives.

Systems & Technology

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with ERP and accounting systems required.
• Experience with Sage and/or Infor ERP is preferred.