Controller – Manufacturing & Distribution
Shades of Grey HRJob Title: Controller – Manufacturing & Distribution. Location: Richmond, VA Employment Type: Full-Time Compensation: $120,000–$150,000 annually Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA with employer contributions, employer-paid Life/AD&D, employer-paid Short-Term Disability, and voluntary supplemental insurance options Job Summary A manufacturing and distribution business is seeking an experienced, hands-on accounting leader to oversee its financial operations and serve as a business partner to the President. This is a confidential search; the employer’s identity is not disclosed in this posting. You will lead the accounting team, maintain accurate books, and turn financial information into practical recommendations. This is the company’s senior accounting role, with responsibility for day-to-day execution as well as financial analysis, cash management, banking relationships, and coordination with outside auditors and tax advisors. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Own general ledger accounting, accounts payable and receivable, credit, reconciliations, and month-end close. Complete close by the tenth business day and prepare the monthly financial package by the fifteenth day of the following month. Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in accordance with US GAAP. Explain results, investigate discrepancies, and identify performance gaps and opportunities for improvement. Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and banking relationships. Evaluate the financial impact of proposed projects, initiatives, and contractual commitments. Manage multi-state sales tax compliance, including collection, liability tracking, reconciliation, and remittance. Oversee other applicable tax obligations and coordinate income tax reporting with the outside accounting firm. Oversee standard costing, overhead rates, cost rolls, and variance analysis. Analyze inventory balances, freight costs, margins, and operating costs with the operations team. Lead and develop a small accounting team. Balance workloads, cross-train employees, set clear expectations, and ensure deadlines are met. Oversee accurate payroll processing in partnership with Human Resources, including payroll taxes, benefit deductions, reconciliations, and employee payroll questions. Coordinate monthly sales commission calculations and payments with sales leadership. Evaluate customer credit, establish appropriate credit limits, and manage collection and bad-debt risks. Maintain effective internal controls and documented accounting procedures. Improve ERP reporting, accounting workflows, payroll, accounts payable, and inventory processes. Coordinate audits and provide financial information to the President, Board, and external advisors. Work collaboratively across departments and support a professional, accountable team culture. What you will bring Bachelor of Science in Accounting. At least 10 years of controller experience, with broad responsibility for financial operations and US GAAP reporting. Relevant experience in manufacturing, distribution, building products, or a comparable commercial business. Construction or installation accounting experience is also relevant when paired with the ability to learn the distribution side of the business. Hands-on multi-state sales tax experience, including reconciliation and accurate remittance. At least five years of experience managing accounting or finance staff, with a demonstrated record of team development. A stable employment history, including five or more years in at least two of the last three positions. Broad accounting experience beyond a narrowly specialized function, including financial statements, AP/AR, payroll, cash management, and internal controls. Strong Excel and ERP skills, sound analytical judgment, and the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-accounting colleagues. Close attention to detail, a commitment to resolving discrepancies, and the abilit…