Assistant Controller

Graco•Minneapolis, MN

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. This role is currently based at our Minneapolis office and will transition to our new headquarters in Dayton, MN, in 2027. The Assistant Controller leads Graco’s global accounting, internal controls and financial reporting activities. This position is accountable for core accounting, external reporting, and consolidation—ensuring accurate, timely financial results and a strong control environment. The individual in this position partners across the Finance function to drive alignment and resolve complex accounting matters while establishing consistent accounting standards, scalable processes, and disciplined controls across Graco. Additionally, this position leads efforts to standardize accounting processes and improve data consistency, including chart of accounts alignment and accounting and financial reporting requirements within business-led ERP initiatives, while partnering with operations and supply chain to improve cost visibility and inventory accuracy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required
12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant public accounting experience and leadership roles
Experience in manufacturing environments, including cost accounting and inventory
Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and external reporting requirements
Deep expertise in Sarbanes-Oxley, COSO framework, and internal control design and execution
Proven ability to build, scale, and standardize accounting processes in a global environment
Ability to lead through change, including systems and process transformation
Strong executive presence and decision-making in ambiguity
Proven ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing teams
Experience interacting with Audit Committee or Board-level stakeholders
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
This role is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., H-1B, TN, F-1 OPT).

Nice To Haves

CPA preferred
Public Accounting experience
Advanced degree (MBA or Master’s) preferred
Experience in mid-sized or growing manufacturing environments
Experience in public company environments and SOX compliance
Experience driving finance or accounting transformation initiatives
ERP system experience (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar)

Responsibilities

Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
Lead consolidation of financial results, including preparation of consolidated financial statements and disclosures
Oversee external financial reporting, including SEC filings and regulatory requirements
Lead technical accounting for complex transactions and ensure appropriate application of GAAP and disclosure requirements
Manage accounting policies, including monitoring new pronouncements and implementing updates; communicate implications to the Audit Committee
Ensure the integrity, consistency, and transparency of financial results across the organization
Support preparation of financial materials for executive leadership and Board of Directors
Communicate key accounting matters and implications to senior leadership
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve close efficiency, reporting quality, and process effectiveness
Establish and maintain a strong internal control environment
Lead global SOX compliance efforts and ensure effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting
Ensure compliance with financial, regulatory and audit requirements
Lead internal and external audit activities, including coordination, execution and remediation efforts
Partner with internal and external auditors to ensure timely and effective completion of audits
Provide oversight of cost accounting and ensure accurate inventory valuation and cost of goods sold to support reliable financial results and margin performance
Partner with Operations & Supply Chain finance team to improve cost visibility and margin performance
Ensure alignment between cost accounting, inventory valuation and external financial reporting
Drive consistency in cost accounting practices across the organization to support accurate reporting and business decision-making
Scale and standardize accounting processes to support a consistent and efficient global operating model
Drive simplification and automation of accounting processes
Improve data integrity, documentation standards, and reporting consistency across the organization
Strengthen accounting and control processes in partnership with finance and business teams to improve operational effectiveness
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, scalability, and quality of accounting operations
Support acquisition due diligence and lead accounting integration efforts, including purchase accounting and required financial reporting
Lead standardization of global accounting processes, chart of accounts, and reporting structures to enable consistent financial reporting
Ensure accounting requirements are proactively embedded in ERP and broader enterprise initiatives to maintain financial integrity and control
Support design and implementation of future-state accounting processes aligned to system and data changes
Improve data consistency, documentation standards, and reporting integrity across the organization
Partner with Tax, Treasury, Legal, HR, and operations teams to align accounting and reporting requirements
Lead, mentor, manage and staff a team of Accounting & Reporting leaders, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and promoting a culture of leadership excellence.
Develop and implement strategies for talent acquisition and management, succession planning, and leadership development to build a pipeline of future leaders.
Drive team performance by setting clear goals, providing ongoing feedback, and facilitating professional growth opportunities.
Establish, manage, and be accountable for the annual Accounting & Reporting budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and alignment with organizational strategic objectives.