Senior Controller / Finance Director A growing company in our client network Greater New Haven, Connecticut (on-site). Candidates within approximately one hour's commute, including the Stamford area, will also be considered. Full-time, on-site Reports to:

CEO ABOUT THE COMPANY

Italian heritage specialty cheese manufacturer based in Connecticut, belonging to an international Group, producing fresh milk mozzarella, burrata, and ricotta for retail and foodservice customers across the United States. The company generates approximately $35 million in annual revenue and continues to grow quickly as part of its group's global operations spanning multiple countries.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The company is seeking a hands-on Senior Controller / Finance Director to lead day-to-day financial operations for a growing dairy manufacturing business, partnering directly with ownership on cost accounting, cash management, financial reporting, warehouse management, and monthly closing. This role combines a true Controller's rigor with the strategic view of a finance leader and requires regular presence on the plant floor rather than a desk-only approach.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Own product and raw milk costing, including allocation of milk categories and cost tracking across multiple cheese product lines (mozzarella, burrata, ricotta). Calculate fully landed product cost, incorporating raw material sourcing, logistics, and duties. Review work orders daily, investigate significant manufacturing variances, and close completed work orders in the ERP system. Prepare and review a daily P&L to track performance against budget and verify accurate expense classification. Perform variance analysis against both budget and prior-year results. Lead the month-end close process, including preparation of internal management reporting packages. Conduct regular plant floor walkthroughs with operations leadership to understand production, quality, and costing issues firsthand. Review labor, material, manufacturing overhead, distribution cost, and inventory levels; compare budget to actual and recommend corrective action. Support the annual operating budget process and maintain rolling monthly and quarterly forecasts. Manage full-cycle accounting, including journal entries, reconciliations, and preparation of internal P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statements. Own cash flow management, net financial position, and banking relationships, including vendor and supplier payments. Serve as an authorized signer and act as a company officer on financial and banking matters. Partner with the company's external auditor and outside tax advisors on annual financial statements and tax filings. Act as a true business partner to ownership, proactively flagging financial and compliance risk while staying pragmatic and solutions-oriented. Support the business through future growth initiatives, including potential acquisitions, as the finance function scales. Own the fixed asset register and support its implementation in the ERP system. Support evaluation of return on investment (ROI) for capital projects and investments. Extend variance analysis to sales performance, including price, mix, and volume variance, in addition to cost and production variances. Own inventory and warehouse valuation, ensuring accurate stock valuation across product lines. Manage aging of trade receivables and payables, monitoring collections and payment timing.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Active

U.S. CPA

license strongly preferred; this role will serve as a company officer and authorized signer on financial and banking matters. Prior experience as a Controller, Finance Director, or senior finance/accounting leader within a manufacturing environment ; food and beverage, dairy, or CPG experience strongly preferred. Public accounting background (Big Four or national firm) is a strong plus, ideally including audit experience with manufacturing or industrial clients. Working knowledge of Dynamics NAV / Business Central required for day-to-day financial system management. Hands-on, detail-oriented approach, comfortable working at the transaction level and spending time on the plant floor rather than solely reviewing reports from a desk. Strong foundation in cost accounting, standard costing, bill of materials, and margin analysis within a multi-SKU manufacturing environment. Working knowledge of US GAAP; familiarity with IFRS is a plus given the company's international ownership. Proven experience managing cash flow, banking relationships, and net financial position.

Strong business partner orientation:

direct and proactive in raising issues while remaining pragmatic and focused on business continuity. Excellent written and verbal English communication skills; Italian language ability is not required but is a plus given the ownership structure. Available to work on-site five days a week in the Greater New Haven, Connecticut area. Strong proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Familiarity with Board or similar corporate performance management/planning software is a plus. Experience supporting a business through periods of rapid growth, integration, or M&A activity. Exposure to warehouse management system (WMS) implementations.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Company car provided.

Pay:

$150,000.00 - $170,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Experience:

Manufacturing:

5 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person