Assistant Controller (Controller Successor Track) Are you a hands-on accounting professional ready to take the next step into financial leadership? Our client, a family-owned $25M manufacturing organization in Milwaukee, is seeking an Assistant Controller to join their accounting team in a unique succession-planning role designed to develop the next Controller. This position offers the opportunity to work side-by-side with the current Controller, gain extensive exposure to all aspects of the organization's financial operations, and ultimately transition into the Controller position within 2-3 years. Why This Opportunity? Defined path toward a future Controller role Direct mentorship from an experienced Controller Broad exposure to financial reporting, cost accounting, operations, inventory, and strategic finance Opportunity to influence processes, systems, and continuous improvement initiatives Stable manufacturing environment with strong cross-functional collaboration
Position Summary:
The Assistant Controller will support and participate in all aspects of the accounting function, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, general ledger, financial reporting, account reconciliations, and month-end close activities. This individual will progressively assume greater responsibility within the department while developing a comprehensive understanding of the business, financial systems, and operational processes. Over time, the successful candidate will transition into a leadership role with increasing responsibility for financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting, inventory management, cash flow, compliance, and team supervision.
Key Responsibilities:- Manage day-to-day accounts receivable activities, including cash application, collections, aging reviews, customer account maintenance, and issue resolution
- Support accounts payable and payroll processing while providing backup coverage for critical accounting functions
- Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules
- Assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes
- Prepare and analyze financial statements and operational reports
- Support inventory valuation, product costing, and margin analysis
- Investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies and transaction-related issues
- Strengthen internal controls, accounting procedures, and process documentation
- Assist with audits, tax filings, fixed asset accounting, and compliance activities
- Partner with operations, IT, and leadership teams to improve reporting, ERP utilization, and business processes
- Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support business decisions
- Gradually assume leadership responsibilities in preparation for future promotion to Controller
Qualifications
Required:- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field 8+ years of progressive accounting experience with experience in the manufacturing industry
- Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, and month-end close
- Experience preparing and analyzing financial statements
- Experience using ERP and accounting systems and advanced Excel skills
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
- Strong communication and leadership skills
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability
- Cost accounting and inventory accounting experience preferred
Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate is a proactive and detail-oriented accounting leader who enjoys both hands-on accounting work and strategic financial analysis. You thrive in a collaborative environment, can communicate effectively with all levels of an organization, and are motivated by the opportunity to grow into a Controller role. If you have a strong accounting foundation, manufacturing experience, and aspirations to advance into a Controller position, we'd like to hear from you. Apply today to learn more about this confidential direct-hire opportunity.
