Director of Finance and Controller

Van Beek Natural Science•Orange City, IA

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Finance & Controller provides financial leadership that bridges day-to-day operational execution with long-term strategic growth. This role ensures the financial integrity and compliance of manufacturing operations, while equipping the executive team with financial visibility, capital strategies, and data-driven insights for profitability and market expansion in the animal health sector. This critical "player-coach" role serves as the financial right hand to the CEO, requiring a balance of historical accuracy and forward-looking strategy. The position involves architecting internal controls and cost accounting, while also navigating growth strategies. The Director will lead a lean, highly effective finance team, ensuring flawless inventory costing and compliance during month-end close, and analyzing margins, managing cash flow, and providing business intelligence for the rest of the month.

Requirements

Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting and finance experience required.
Minimum of 3 years in a manufacturing, distribution, or inventory-heavy environment required.
Bachelor’s degree in related field or combination with advanced degree (MBA, DBA).
Advanced proficiency in modern ERP systems, and financial modeling software.
Experienced in ERP conversion and maintenance strongly desired.
A hands-on leader who does not consider themselves "above" the daily details but possesses the executive presence to present to the board and negotiate with banking partners.
Deep understanding of US GAAP, cost accounting, and financial modeling principles.
Ability to synthesize complex financial datasets into clear, actionable executive summaries and operational insights.
Strong capability to navigate and optimize ERP systems, coupled with advanced financial modeling software.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively across manufacturing, sales, and executive departments.
Proven ability to manage, train, and develop a lean finance team while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
High degree of initiative and proactive thinking to identify cost-saving opportunities and streamline financial operations.
English (required)

Nice To Haves

Ten+ years of experience preferred.
Direct experience with cost accounting is highly preferred.
CPA or CMA designation or ability to obtain certification in these areas is strongly preferred.
Bilingual: French, Spanish or Portuguese (Desired).

Responsibilities

Own the financial close process, producing timely and accurate financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) in compliance with GAAP.
Oversee standard costing for manufacturing. Analyze raw ingredient costs, manufacturing variances, and ensure strict inventory controls are maintained.
Maintain and enforce a strict segregation of duties across AP, AR, and general ledger functions to safeguard company assets.
Oversee daily cash position, bank reconciliations, and manage credit lines.
Serve as the primary liaison for external CPA firms for annual tax filings, audits, and corporate compliance.
Lead the annual budgeting cycle, quarterly re-forecasting, and maintain a rolling cash flow model.
Translate raw financial data into operational narratives. Identify trends in gross margins, customer acquisition costs, and supply chain efficiencies.
Partner with the CEO to evaluate the ROI of potential capital expenditures, territory expansions, or new product line launches.
Mentor and develop the finance team ensuring smooth daily transaction processing (Positive Pay, Lockbox management).
Work closely with the manufacturing and sales leaders to ensure the financial strategy aligns with operational realities.
Perform other duties customary to this position in similar industries and to perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.