Controller

Position summary

The Controller is a key financial leader responsible for overseeing all accounting and financial operations for our mid-sized private equity-backed apparel manufacturing company. This hands-on role ensures the integrity of financial reporting drives operational efficiencies through robust cost accounting manages working capital and provides critical financial insights to both the executive team and private equity sponsors. The Controller will be instrumental in supporting growth initiatives and preparing the company for potential future transactions.

Essential duties and responsibilities

Financial reporting and analysis

• Manage and oversee all accounting operations including the General Ledger Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable Inventory Cost Accounting and Payroll.
• Lead the monthly quarterly and annual financial close processes ensuring timely and accurate preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Prepare detailed financial reports management dashboards and analyses for the executive team and private equity investors including performance against budget forecasts and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Conduct in-depth variance analysis on revenue cost of goods sold (COGS) operating expenses and inventory.

Cost accounting and operational efficiency

• Develop implement and maintain a robust cost accounting system specifically tailored for apparel manufacturing including standard costing job costing and activity-based costing where appropriate.
• Analyze and report on production costs including materials labor and overhead to identify areas for cost reduction process improvement and margin enhancement.
• Manage and oversee the valuation reconciliation and integrity of inventory across raw materials work-in-process (WIP) and finished goods.
• Partner with Operations and Supply Chain to optimize inventory levels improve forecasting accuracy and streamline manufacturing processes from a financial perspective.

Budgeting forecasting and strategic support

• Lead the annual budgeting process and develop rolling financial forecasts in collaboration with department heads.
• Prepare detailed cash flow forecasts and manage working capital effectively.
• Provide financial modeling and analysis to support strategic initiatives capital expenditure decisions new product launches and pricing strategies.
• Assist in due diligence activities for potential acquisitions or future transactions.

Internal controls and compliance

• Establish implement and maintain strong internal controls over financial reporting to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with company policies and relevant regulations.
• Manage external audit processes serving as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with all federal state and local tax requirements including sales tax payroll tax and corporate income tax.
• Oversee debt covenant compliance and reporting as required by financing agreements.

Private equity relationship management

• Prepare and deliver regular financial reporting packages to the private equity sponsors adhering to their specific requirements and timelines.
• Support the private equity firm with ad-hoc financial analyses scenario planning and data requests.
• Provide clear and concise communication on financial performance and strategic initiatives to all stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA certification strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience with at least 35 years in a manufacturing environment preferably apparel or consumer goods.
• Strong experience with cost accounting principles and practices specific to manufacturing.
• Proven experience in a private equity-backed company highly desirable.
• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems (e.g. SAP Oracle NetSuite Infor) and exceptional Excel skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement internal controls and process improvements.
• Excellent analytical problem-solving communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced growth-oriented environment