Controller (Food Industry)

Controller - Food Industry

Location: Madison, WI

Work Arrangement: On-site

Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Controller to oversee financial operations, reporting, cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and inventory management within a manufacturing environment.

This role will partner with senior leadership and plant operations to ensure financial accuracy, strengthen cost controls, improve profitability, and support strategic business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations and financial reporting.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes.
• Prepare and review financial statements and management reports.
• Oversee manufacturing cost accounting, standard costing, and variance analysis.
• Manage inventory valuation, reconciliation, and controls.
• Lead annual budgeting, financial forecasting, and budget-versus-actual analysis.
• Monitor manufacturing costs, margins, and profitability.
• Partner with Plant Directors and operations teams to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to senior management.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing.
• Previous experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or Cost Accounting Manager preferred.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, general ledger, and month-end closing.
• Experience with manufacturing cost accounting, standard costing, and inventory valuation.
• Background in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.
• Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills.

Pay: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

• How many years of hands-on accounting experience do you have in a food manufacturing environment, particularly in financial reporting, month-end closing, cost accounting, and inventory valuation?

Work Location

In person