What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at 5N Plus?
Position Summary
The Controller serves as the head of accounting and a key business partner to site leadership, responsible for overseeing all financial operations, reporting, internal controls, and compliance. This role ensures accuracy in financial data, adherence to GAAP, and alignment with corporate and regulatory requirements. The Controller leads the accounting function while supporting strategic decision-making through financial analysis, forecasting, and performance insights.
In addition, this role includes oversight of government contract accounting and compliance, ensuring adherence to FAR/CAS regulations, contract requirements, and audit standards, while interfacing with government agencies and program managers.
Core Responsibilities
Financial Operations & Accounting Leadership
- Oversee daily financial operations including:
- Accounts Payable (AP)
- Accounts Receivable (AR)
- Payroll
- General Ledger (GL)
- Cash management
- Inventory and capital accounting
- Ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with GAAP and corporate policies
- Lead monthly close process, ensuring deadlines are met and financial statements are accurate
- Prepare and review financial statements, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting
- Develop and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets
Cash Management & Treasury
- Perform daily cash position review and liquidity monitoring
- Prepare weekly cash forecasts
- Complete monthly bank reconciliations
- Initiate and approve wire transfers and banking transactions
- Maintain banking relationships and financial reporting to creditors
Accounts Receivable
- Review and approve customer purchase orders
- Oversee invoicing, packing slips, and sales order creation
- Manage collections and customer accounts
- Maintain backlog reporting and revenue tracking
Accounts Payable
- Review invoice coding and approvals
- Ensure timely processing of invoices and payments
- Approve and sign checks
General Ledger & Financial Reporting
- Prepare and post journal entries (JEs)
- Perform intercompany reconciliations and billings
- Conduct variance analysis and trend identification
- Support financial consolidation and reporting to corporate
Payroll Administration
- Maintain employee setup and records in accounting systems
- Process payroll (semi-weekly) and validate timekeeping accuracy
- Reconcile payroll entries with ADP
- Monitor PTO balances and related liabilities
Inventory & Cost Accounting
- Maintain accurate records of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods
- Oversee monthly inventory reconciliations and physical counts
- Monitor inventory transfers and valuation
- Support cost accounting and profitability analysis
Capital Asset Management
- Oversee capital request and approval processes
- Monitor capital project spend and compliance
- Ensure proper capitalization, depreciation, and asset retirement
- Conduct annual fixed asset inventory
Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis
- Lead annual budget preparation and monthly forecasting
- Provide variance analysis and financial insights to leadership
- Develop financial models and ad hoc analyses
- Support operational decision-making with data-driven insights
Compliance, Controls & Audit
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, corporate governance, and regulatory requirements
- Maintain and improve internal control environment
- Coordinate and support external and internal audits
- Ensure timely and accurate reporting to corporate finance
Government Contract Accounting & Administration
- Ensure compliance with FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations) and CAS (Cost Accounting Standards)
- Prepare and submit:
- Monthly invoices
- Quarterly and annual financial reports
- Annual Incurred Cost Submission
- Monitor contract funding vs. expenditures
- Maintain registrations (SAM, WAWF, etc.)
- Support contract proposals with financial data
- Interface with government agencies and program managers regarding:
- Billing
- Funding
- Contract modifications and compliance
- Oversee contract-related audits and reporting requirements
Leadership & Business Partnership
- Lead and develop accounting and administrative staff
- Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, engineering, HR, and corporate finance
- Support site leadership with financial insights and performance analysis
- Drive process improvements and operational efficiency initiatives
- Participate in executive-level reporting and strategic planning
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration
- 5–15 years of progressive accounting/finance experience (manufacturing preferred)
- Experience in government contract accounting strongly preferred
- Professional certification (CPA, CMA) is a plus
Core Competencies
- Strong financial acumen and analytical capability
- Advanced knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- High ethical standards and integrity
Technical Skills
- Proficient in:
- QuickBooks
- Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint
- Experience with ERP systems preferred
- Familiarity with government systems (SAM, WAWF, etc.)
Performance Expectations (KPIs)
- Timely and accurate financial reporting
- Effective cash flow management
- Strong audit outcomes with minimal findings
- Accurate inventory valuation and reconciliation
- Budget and forecast accuracy
- Compliance with all regulatory and contract requirements
Work Environment & Challenges
- Fast-paced, decentralized business environment
- High level of accountability for financial accuracy and cash flow
- Requires adaptability, initiative, and ability to operate under pressure
- Acts as a key financial "eyes and ears" for leadership across the organization