Financial Controller Position Available In Wake, North Carolina

Our client, a well-established U.S.-based manufacturer of lightweight PVC conveyor belts, is seeking a highly skilled on-site Controller to join their team at their Spring Hope, North Carolina facility. The company serves a wide range of industries, including food processing, packaging and baggage handling, recycling, and agriculture. As a critical leadership role within a lean structure, the Controller will take full ownership of the finance and accounting function. This is a hands-on position requiring strong business acumen, manufacturing experience, and the ability to manage all aspects of financial operations. The ideal candidate will be analytical, process-driven, and capable of operating both strategically and tactically.

Job Summary:

The Controller will be responsible for all accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls. This includes oversight of accounts payable/receivable, journal entries, payroll, cost accounting, ERP systems, tax compliance, and financial planning. The position requires a proactive and resourceful individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can independently manage priorities, and has a strong understanding of best practices in financial management within a manufacturing business. This role will also liaise with group auditors and the Controller at the European headquarters to ensure accurate year-end financial results and successful audit outcomes, and will supervise a part-time administrative employee responsible for entering accounts payable (AP) and supporting other administrative functions.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee and execute all accounting functions: A/P, A/R, general ledger, journal entries, account reconciliations, and fixed assets. Manage monthly, quarterly, and year-end closings; prepare financial statements including P&L, balance sheets, and cash flow reports. Ensure timely payroll processing in coordination with a third-party payroll provider. Lead all budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning efforts; analyze actual vs. budget and identify variances. Maintain accurate cost accounting and inventory records to support margin analysis and production costing. Prepare and file sales and use tax, state/local reports; assist with tax filings and audits. Review and validate system-generated financial data; ensure accuracy and reasonableness. Monitor and develop complex management reports for leadership and ownership. Work closely with leadership to implement improvements in financial processes and internal controls. Liaise with group auditors and the Controller at European HQ to ensure accurate end-of-year financial results and audit outcomes. Supervise a part-time administrative employee responsible for AP entry and general administrative support. Act as the ERP system owner, ensuring functionality and leading ongoing system improvements (SAP Business One experience highly preferred).

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required CPA or CMA preferred Minimum 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience At least 3 years of accounting experience within a manufacturing environment Proficient in ERP systems, particularly SAP Business One Strong understanding of GAAP, internal controls, cost accounting, inventory management, and revenue recognition Ability to balance high-level financial planning with daily transactional execution Experience preparing and analyzing financial reports for multiple stakeholders Strong problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality Excellent interpersonal and communication skills