Controller

Aston Carter • St. Louis, MO

22h • $150,000 - $170,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Controller serves as a strategic finance leader responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance while acting as a key partner to executive leadership and operations. This role manages the full month-end close cycle, guides audit readiness, and ensures adherence to GAAP, while translating financial data into actionable insights that improve plant-level performance and overall business profitability. The position partners closely with operations to evaluate cost drivers such as yield, waste, downtime, and inventory, and plays a key role in modernizing financial processes through ERP systems, automation tools, and data-driven reporting. This is a highly visible position with the opportunity to grow into broader financial leadership over time.

Requirements

• 5–10 years of progressive experience in accounting or finance.
• Strong GAAP and technical accounting foundation with hands-on experience owning financial statements, close processes, and audit preparation from start to finish.
• Proven experience in a manufacturing environment with a clear understanding of cost accounting and inventory management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of plant-level financial drivers such as yield, scrap, waste, downtime, and labor efficiency.
• Ability to partner cross-functionally with operations and leadership, translating financial data into actionable insights.
• Experience building or strengthening internal controls and improving accounting processes in a growing or evolving environment.
• Comfort working in less structured environments and creating processes, organization, and accountability from the ground up.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• High level of adaptability, accountability, and ownership with a willingness to operate with autonomy.
• Strong attention to detail combined with the ability to see the broader financial and operational picture.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• MBA or CFA considered a plus but not required.
• Experience with ERP systems such as NetSuite or Workday.
• Familiarity with automation tools and data-driven reporting solutions.
• Exposure to or involvement in M&A activities is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cost accounting activities.
• Own the full month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and maintain a strong technical accounting foundation across all financial reporting activities.
• Lead audit readiness efforts, including preparation of audit documentation and coordination with external auditors.
• Develop, implement, and strengthen internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the integrity of financial data.
• Partner closely with plant operations and leadership to analyze cost drivers such as yield, scrap, waste, downtime, labor efficiency, and inventory levels.
• Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights that support decision-making at both the plant and executive levels.
• Evaluate and improve accounting processes in a growing or evolving environment, introducing structure, organization, and accountability where needed.
• Leverage ERP systems and automation tools to modernize financial processes, enhance reporting capabilities, and improve visibility into financial performance.
• Support and lead financial aspects of growth initiatives, including potential mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities as needed.
• Prepare and present financial information and performance updates to non-financial stakeholders in a clear and understandable manner.
• Balance strategic financial leadership with hands-on execution in day-to-day accounting and finance activities.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve profitability, operational efficiency, and scalability through data-driven analysis.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, etc.) that begin on day one of hire.
• Voluntary benefits including additional life, disability, short term disability, etc.
• 401k & company provided match
• Unlimited PTO
• Opportunity to work remotely one day per week
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company led Leadership & Development Programs
• 10 Company Paid Holidays
• Bonus Incentive Programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior