Assistant Controller

Position Summary A large manufacturing organization in Northwest Arkansas is seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to support the Controller in overseeing all accounting, financial reporting, and internal control functions. This role will play a key part in ensuring the accuracy of financial statements, managing month-end close processes, supporting manufacturing cost accounting activities, and maintaining compliance with company policies and accounting standards.

The Assistant

Controller will work cross-functionally with operations, production, HR, and leadership teams to provide financial insights that support business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting & Accounting

• Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
• Review general ledger activity, account reconciliations, and journal entries.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies.
• Analyze financial results and identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.

Manufacturing Accounting & Cost Analysis

• Support inventory accounting, standard costing, and manufacturing variance analysis.
• Monitor inventory valuation and ensure accurate reporting of raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods.
• Partner with operations leaders to analyze production costs and improve profitability.
• Assist with physical inventory counts and inventory reconciliation processes.
• Develop and maintain cost accounting procedures and reporting tools.

Payroll & Compliance

• Review and oversee payroll processing through ADP, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Partner with Human Resources on payroll reconciliations, benefits accounting, and related reporting.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements.
• Support annual audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting requirements.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Maintain and strengthen internal controls over accounting and financial reporting processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through automation and process enhancements within Sage ERP.
• Assist with audit preparation and coordinate requests from internal and external auditors.
• Support special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned by the Controller.

Leadership & Team Support

• Provide guidance and mentorship to accounting staff.
• Serve as a backup to the Controller and assist with departmental leadership when needed.
• Foster a collaborative, customer-service-oriented accounting environment.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance.
• 5 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience with Sage ERP and ADP Payroll systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and financial modeling.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work across multiple departments.

Preferred

• CPA or CMA designation, or progress toward certification.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience.
• Experience with inventory management, standard costing, and manufacturing operations.
• Experience supporting annual audits and tax compliance functions.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Annual bonus opportunity.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Career growth opportunities within a stable, growing manufacturing organization.

Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. They possess strong technical accounting knowledge, experience with cost accounting and inventory controls, and the ability to partner effectively with operations while supporting the Controller in driving financial accuracy and process excellence.