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Manufacturing Controller

Ripple Foods

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.