Manufacturing Controller
Ripple Foods
Accounting & Finance
St Charles, IL, USA
Posted on Mar 10, 2026
A well‑established and high‑performing accounting department within a growing manufacturing organization is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead a team of three (AP, AR, Payroll/HR). This is an ideal role for a leader who enjoys rolling up their sleeves, developing talent, and maintaining excellence within daily accounting operations.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and train a team of three (AP, AR, Payroll/HR).
- Upskill team members on journal entries, month‑end close, and reconciliation workflows.
- Serve as a hands-on leader involved in daily processes, not just delegating.
Accounting Operations
- Oversee and execute daily accounting functions, including:
- Job costing & cost analysis
- Variance analysis
- Journal entries
- Account reconciliations
- Financial reporting
- Own the month-end close process with a 3‑day close target.
- Ensure accuracy and timeliness of AP, AR, Payroll, and financial data.
Process Ownership & Improvements
- Lead the transition of certain accounting and payroll functions from an outsourced model back in-house, including tax filings.
- Play a key role in the organization’s upcoming ERP go‑live (Epicor), supporting system adoption and troubleshooting.
- Drive process enhancements to strengthen control, reporting, and operational efficiency.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (mandatory).
- Extensive manufacturing accounting experience—preferably in a small to mid‑sized job shop, custom machine builder, or similar environment.
- 5+ years of hands‑on accounting leadership, managing small teams.
- Strong proficiency in cost accounting, including:
- Material, labor, and overhead cost analysis
- Standard vs. actual cost variance evaluation
- Demonstrated ability to personally handle journal entries, reconciliations, and full month-end close.
- Experience thriving in a hands‑on role rather than a purely supervisory one.
- CPA (active or inactive) strongly preferred.
- Payroll experience, including filing monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll tax returns.
- Experience supporting or leading an ERP implementation, ideally Epicor.
- Strong communication skills with an ownership mindset and ability to build upon existing team strengths.