Des Moines, IA, US
Emp Type: Full time / Direct Hire
Industry: PLASTIC/RUBBER
Salary: 80,000 - 95,000 Annual
2 weeks ago
The Controller leads the accounting function and owns the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of the company's financial information. Reporting to the CFO, this role manages the monthly close, maintains the standard cost system within the manufacturing ERP, and converts operational data into insights that leadership can use to price work, control costs, and manage cash.
The Controller is a hands-on leader who supervises the accounting team and works closely with operations, sales, purchasing, and quality.
Own the month-end and year-end close process with reconciled balance sheet accounts and documented, reviewed journal entries.
Prepare monthly financial statements and management reporting packages.
Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP.
Manage the standard cost system, including bills of material, scrap rates, cycle times, labor rates, and burden rates.
Analyze and explain manufacturing variances, including material price and usage, resin, labor, overhead absorption, and scrap.
Partner with operations to identify and address root causes of cost variances.
Oversee inventory accounting and valuation for resin, colorant, purchased components, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods.
Support account management and quoting with reliable cost data and part- and customer-level margin analysis.
Analyze material pass-throughs and customer price adjustments.
Account for tooling, including customer-owned mold builds, billings, and reimbursements.
Support the semi-annual budgeting process.
Maintain the fixed asset register and depreciation schedules.
Track capital projects and support return-on-investment analysis for presses, automation, and other equipment.
Supervise payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable activities.
Oversee credit, collections, customer portal requirements, and supplier onboarding.
Maintain internal controls, approval workflows, and appropriate segregation of duties.
Serve as the finance lead for the manufacturing ERP system, ensuring data integrity between shop-floor transactions, inventory, and the general ledger.
Develop and maintain financial and operational reports and dashboards using SQL, Crystal Reports, Excel, and business intelligence tools.
Drive back-office process automation and appropriate use of AI tools to reduce manual work and shorten the financial close process.
Hire, train, develop, and establish priorities for accounting team members.
Maintain process documentation and cross-training to ensure operational continuity.
Communicate financial results and operational drivers clearly to the CFO, plant leadership, and department managers.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Directly supervises two accounting team members. Responsibilities include hiring, training, performance management, and day-to-day direction of work.
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance from an accredited college.
3-6 years of related accounting or finance experience.
Prior experience supervising accounting staff.
Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, standard costing, and inventory accounting.
Hands-on experience with a manufacturing ERP system.
Experience developing reports and writing/modifying SQL queries.
Advanced Excel skills, including lookups, pivot tables, and data modeling.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365.
Experience in injection molding, plastics, or a manufacturing environment serving OEM customers.
Experience with Crystal Reports, Power BI, or similar business intelligence tools.
Experience with audits and process automation initiatives.
Analytical rigor and attention to detail.
Strong business partnership and financial analysis skills.
Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
Integrity, sound judgment, and discretion with confidential information.
Continuous improvement mindset.
Strong process automation and problem-solving abilities.
Hands-on leadership approach.
Ability to work effectively in a lean accounting environment.
Work is primarily performed at a desk and computer and requires frequent sitting, seeing, hearing, reading, and talking. The position may require lifting up to 10 pounds and occasional reaching with hands and arms. Repetitive motion includes the use of hands and fingers for keyboard and mouse work.
The employee works primarily in an environment with moderate noise. Occasional exposure to dirt, dust, and conditions of high heat and humidity may occur.
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Disability insurance
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance
Work Location: In Person