Interim Controller

Aston Carter•Village of Germantown, WI

7d•$70 - $70•Onsite

About The Position

The Controller leads the full financial close, reporting, planning, and analysis activities for a manufacturing site, serving as the primary finance partner to site leadership. This role oversees the monthly close and management reporting, drives the annual budgeting and forecasting processes, and ensures strong internal controls and compliance with accounting standards. The Controller manages a small finance team, supports operational and strategic decision-making, and collaborates with international stakeholders within a multinational corporate structure.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in finance, controlling, or accounting roles.
Demonstrated experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
Prior experience as a Plant Controller, Finance Manager, or equivalent site-level finance lead.
Proven track record managing a monthly close process and delivering management reporting packages.
Budget ownership experience, including having led or co-led an annual budgeting cycle.
Strong technical accounting skills with solid knowledge of US GAAP.
Proficiency in ERP systems, with experience using IQMS or similar platforms.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for analysis, reporting, and modeling.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial data clearly to non-finance audiences.
Self-starter mindset with the ability to operate independently, prioritize effectively, and quickly become productive.
High attention to detail combined with the ability to synthesize complex information into concise, executive-ready narratives.
Experience managing or mentoring small finance teams.
Comfort working across time zones and collaborating with international stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional certification is preferred but not required.
Experience reporting to a European parent company or working within a multinational corporate structure is advantageous.
Hands-on experience with month-end close, financial reporting, financial statements, audit support, forecasting, and financial analysis.
Familiarity with IQMS or other manufacturing-focused ERP systems.
Strong general finance and accounting acumen, including month-end close and management reporting best practices.

Responsibilities

Own and execute the full monthly financial close process, including preparation and posting of accruals and provisions.
Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the general ledger, balance sheet reconciliations, and profit and loss statements.
Prepare and submit the monthly management report to Group headquarters, including detailed variance analysis and clear written commentary.
Compile monthly site reports that summarize financial performance, key performance indicators, and operational highlights with supporting analysis.
Maintain, monitor, and enforce internal controls and accounting policies in compliance with Group standards and US GAAP.
Lead and coordinate the annual budget process for the site, with primary activity concentrated in September and October.
Work closely with the Site General Manager and department heads to develop bottom-up budget submissions that reflect operational realities.
Prepare comprehensive budget packages and presentations for submission to Group headquarters.
Support rolling forecast processes and update financial projections as business conditions change.
Serve as the primary finance business partner to the Site General Manager and the site management team, providing insight and guidance.
Deliver ad hoc financial analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making across the site.
Identify cost trends, risks, and opportunities, and proactively communicate findings and recommendations to leadership.
Support capital expenditure analysis, investment requests, and cost reduction initiatives with robust financial modeling and justification.
Directly manage and support a team of two, including a full-time High Level Accountant and a part-time Accountant.
Ensure continuity of day-to-day finance operations across the team, particularly during interim or transition periods.
Provide on-the-job coaching, mentoring, and clear direction to direct reports to build capability and performance.
Collaborate effectively with international stakeholders and colleagues in different time zones to align on reporting, planning, and controls.