Controller

Description We are looking for an experienced Controller to lead plant-level accounting and financial oversight for a manufacturing operation in Traverse City, Michigan. This position supports accurate reporting, cost analysis, budgeting, and internal controls while partnering closely with operational leaders to improve financial visibility and decision-making. The ideal candidate brings strong manufacturing finance experience, sound judgment, and the ability to manage both recurring close activities and forward-looking planning.

Responsibilities:

Lead accounting activities across the general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, fixed assets, and manufacturing cost accounting functions. Oversee the month-end close process by preparing journal entries, completing balance sheet reconciliations, and ensuring financial records remain accurate and current. Produce weekly and monthly performance reporting that highlights production efficiency, material usage, labor trends, and spending variances for leadership review. Develop forecasts, support the annual operating plan, and collaborate with department leaders and the plant manager on financial assumptions, analysis, and supporting schedules. Track cost-savings initiatives by preparing financial reports, validating projected savings, and monitoring realized results against estimates. Maintain compliance with internal control requirements, coordinate testing activities, and monitor purchasing card reconciliation and related financial controls. Partner with plant and floor leadership to understand production activity, resolve day-to-day accounting issues, and strengthen the accuracy of manufacturing data. Analyze product cost and overhead performance by reviewing accruals, volume variances, obsolete materials, finished goods reserves, and deviations from standard costs. Verify weekly payroll, validate finished goods production reporting, and prepare detailed cost estimates and inventory-related reconciliations as needed. Present monthly profit and loss results to leadership and support annual inventory reconciliation for raw materials, packaging, and finished goods. Requirements - 5+ years of experience in accounting or finance, with significant responsibility in a controller or manufacturing finance environment. Hands-on experience with month-end close, including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and financial statement review. Strong background in budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis within a manufacturing setting. Proficiency with NetSuite or a comparable ERP system used for financial and operational reporting. Working knowledge of cost accounting, inventory controls, payroll validation, and fixed asset accounting. Familiarity with internal control compliance and audit support, including structured testing and documentation. Ability to communicate financial results clearly to plant leadership and collaborate effectively across operations and department management. Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "Apply Now," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) and Privacy Notice (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy) .