Overview

The Controller is responsible for leading the accounting function and ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the company's financial reporting. This position oversees the month-end close process, internal controls, accounting operations, cost accounting, regulatory reporting, audits, and financial policy compliance.

The Controller must be a seasoned accounting leader who can build, develop, and strengthen the accounting team through effective coaching, clear expectations, fair delegation, and timely decision-making. This role requires someone who is technically strong, people-focused, and capable of developing others by giving team members appropriate opportunities to grow into higher-level responsibilities.

The successful candidate will be expected to lead with ownership, identify staffing or process constraints early, take decisive action when performance indicators begin to suffer, and ensure the accounting team has the structure, skill, and support needed to meet the needs of the business.

Responsibilities

Financial Reporting and Month-End Close

Lead the monthly close process to produce accurate and timely financial statements
Oversee bank reconciliations, balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, reserves, and required adjustments
Review financial statements and supporting schedules for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies
Ensure accounting records fairly reflect the financial position and operating results of the company
Partner with FP&A by providing accurate actual results, explanations of accounting activity, and support for budget-to-actual review

Internal Controls and Financial Integrity

Develop, maintain, and continuously improve a strong internal control environment
Safeguard company assets through effective accounting processes, approvals, reconciliations, and segregation of duties
Ensure company policies and procedures are followed consistently
Identify gaps in accounting processes or controls and lead the development of corrective procedures
Proactively identify potential losses due to error, fraud, theft, or process breakdowns

Accounting Operations Leadership

Manage the Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Cost Accounting functions
Ensure each accounting function operates efficiently, accurately, and in support of company objectives
Establish clear departmental priorities, deadlines, performance expectations, and accountability
Monitor accounting department KPIs and take timely action when performance, staffing, or process issues arise
Ensure vacant roles, workload imbalances, or skill gaps are addressed promptly and decisively

Team Leadership, Development, and Delegation

Recruit, train, coach, and develop accounting personnel to build a strong and capable financial team
Intentionally delegate responsibilities in a fair and thoughtful manner to develop team members and build departmental depth
Provide team members with opportunities to learn higher-level accounting tasks, decision-making skills, and cross-functional business knowledge
Assess team capabilities and create development plans to close skill gaps
Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth
Balance workload across the department while ensuring critical knowledge is not concentrated with one individual
Make timely decisions regarding staffing, performance management, role clarity, and departmental structure

Cost Accounting and Inventory

Manage the calculation and reliable reporting of product costs, margins, inventory values, and related financial impacts
Partner with operations, purchasing, engineering, and FP&A to understand cost drivers and margin trends
Assist with the performance and management of physical inventory processes
Review inventory variances and ensure appropriate financial treatment
Support improvements in cost accounting processes, standards, and reporting accuracy

Fixed Assets and Capital Accounting

Manage fixed assets, including additions, disposals, and reconciliation of the fixed asset ledger
Ensure capital purchases are recorded in accordance with capitalization policies
Partner with FP&A on capital appropriation requests, ROI support, and post-project capital reviews, while maintaining ownership of accounting treatment and fixed asset records
Ensure capital spending is appropriately classified, approved, and supported

Audit, Tax, and Regulatory Reporting

Coordinate and facilitate external audits and provide required documentation to auditors
Oversee regulatory reporting, tax filings, manufacturing surveys, government rebate incentive schedules, and other required reporting
Coordinate with the external CPA firm and other advisors as needed
Ensure timely and accurate completion of audit, tax, and compliance-related requests

Cross-Functional Partnership

Serve as a trusted accounting partner to the CFO, FP&A, operations, and other business leaders
Provide accounting insight to support operational decisions, process improvements, and business initiatives
Support FP&A with accurate actual results, accounting explanations, cost data, and financial reporting support
Take an active role in identifying process improvements that strengthen financial accuracy, efficiency, and accountability

Skills and Competencies

Strong knowledge of GAAP and tax basis accounting
Strong understanding of internal controls in a manufacturing environment
Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, develop, and hold team members accountable
Proven ability to delegate effectively and develop team capability through clear guidance and special projects
Strong decision-making skills, including the ability to identify problems, evaluate options, and take timely action
Ability to recognize staffing, workload, or process issues before they materially impact departmental performance
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
Ability to communicate effectively with both financial and non-financial leaders
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required
Experience with ERP systems and modern accounting technology required; Epicor experience preferred
Experience with data analytics or BI tools preferred
Ability to work collaboratively across all levels of the organization

Leadership Expectations

The Controller is expected to lead the accounting department with ownership, clarity, and accountability. This includes building a team that is not only capable of meeting current business needs but also prepared for future growth.

A successful Controller will:

Develop people, not just processes
Delegate meaningful work in a way that builds capability and confidence
Make timely decisions when staffing, performance, or process issues arise
Create a department where knowledge is shared, responsibilities are clear, and team members are growing
Maintain high standards for accuracy, timeliness, accountability, and professional conduct

Education and Qualifications

Master of Accountancy or CPA
Significant progressive accounting experience required
Prior leadership experience in accounting, controllership, or a closely related finance role required
Manufacturing experience strongly preferred
Experience managing month-end close, audits, internal controls, cost accounting, inventory, and fixed assets preferred

Hytrol Conveyor Company

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Controller - Jonesboro, AR