Financial Controller

Ashton North’s Manufacturing Client, a global leader in innovation and quality manufacturing headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead its finance and accounting operations. This is a high-impact role within a U.S. publicly traded company that requires deep expertise in GAAP, IFRS, cost accounting, and corporate financial reporting.

This role is ideally suited for a seasoned financial leader with hands-on experience in the manufacturing sector. The successful candidate will bring a deep understanding of the financial complexities unique to manufacturing environments, including cost structures, inventory management, margin analysis, and lean operations. As a strategic partner to the President, the Financial Controller will work across departments to optimize financial health, drive operational efficiencies, and support long-term growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic business partner to the President and executive team by providing financial insights to support decision-making.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team responsible for general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and financial reporting.

• Ensure accurate and timely closing of monthly, quarterly, and annual books in compliance with GAAP and IFRS.

• Design and maintain robust internal controls to mitigate financial and audit risks.

• Develop and oversee company budgets, financial forecasts, and strategic plans.

• Monitor company performance against forecasts and budgets; implement improvements to enhance profitability.

• Manage inventory and cost accounting processes, including E&O reserves and gross margin analysis.

• Conduct Gemba walks to identify Muda (waste) and recommend process improvements.

• Evaluate and lead capital investment analysis, pricing strategies, and contract negotiations.

• Lead audit preparation and ensure compliance with internal and external regulatory requirements.

• Standardize and automate management dashboards and reporting tools for executive visibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA preferred.

• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience in a manufacturing environment is required.

• Prior experience as a Controller or equivalent financial leadership role within a manufacturing organization is strongly preferred.

• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory management, and operations finance within the manufacturing sector.

• Mastery of U.S. GAAP and familiarity with IFRS, with proven corporate financial reporting experience.

• Experience with ERP systems used in manufacturing (Infor ERP preferred).

• Demonstrated success in financial planning, analysis, and cross-functional collaboration in production-oriented settings.

• Strong leadership, team-building, and communication skills.

• Ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.

• A proactive and adaptable mindset, with a focus on efficiency and continuous improvement in manufacturing operations.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a mid-sized, growth-focused manufacturing company.

• Background in Big 4 accounting firms.

• Proven success in reducing costs and enhancing profitability through process improvement and data-driven decision-making.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience

• Extensive 401(k) plan with company match

• Generous paid time off and 10 paid holidays

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and dependents

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options

• Paid short- and long-term disability insurance

• Paid life and AD&D insurance

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Ashton North's Manufacturing Client is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. Harassment and discrimination have no place in our company.