Controller (Growth to CFO)

Arkansas Talent Group is partnering exclusively with a Private Equity–Backed Manufacturing Company in North Little Rock, Arkansas, to recruit a Controller. This newly created position was established to support the company’s rapid growth following a recent investment from a prominent private equity firm. The role offers significant advancement potential, with a clear path to the CFO position in a quick time frame. The Controller will work closely with executive leadership and the private equity team, gaining direct exposure to high-level financial and strategic decision-making.

This role will build a strong accounting foundation that supports continued growth across multiple entities and revenue models. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in internal controls, multi-entity consolidation, cost accounting, and KPI development.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting Leadership & Operations

• Direct all day-to-day accounting activities, ensuring accurate and timely month-end closing and financial reporting across multiple entities
• Implement and refine internal controls and best-practice accounting processes designed for a fast-growing, complex organization
• Oversee billing, collections, AP/AR management, payroll, and credit policies with a focus on efficiency and automation

Financial Strategy & Reporting

• Build financial dashboards, KPI reporting structures, and margin analyses for several revenue streams
• Support development of unit economics and data-driven financial insights for leadership
• Maintain a scalable accounting policy framework aligned with GAAP and internal control requirements

Collaboration & Team Management

• Partner closely with senior leadership to optimize workflows, reassign responsibilities, and drive efficiencies within the accounting team
• Document and maintain departmental procedures, policies, and financial controls
• Develop and maintain positive internal and external relationships, including vendors, customers, and cross-functional team members

Cash Management & Planning

• Manage cash handling processes, ensuring strong controls around deposits, disbursements, and overall cash positioning
• Lead the cash-flow projection process and maintain reporting structures supporting operational needs
• Guide annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, and long-range financial planning
• Analyze financial performance versus budget and provide recommendations to leadership

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required
• CPA, CMA, or related credential strongly preferred
• 7 years of progressive accounting experience, ideally within a manufacturing or service-based environment
• Hands-on cost accounting experience required
• 3 years of supervisory experience
• Budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and tax experience preferred
• Strong proficiency with NetSuite
• Experience working with Private Equity preferred

Perks:

• Strong Base Salary Bonus Opportunity
• Opportunity to quickly move into a CFO role
• Terrific Benefits and ample PTO Policy
• 401k Matching
• High visibility role to work with C-Suite and Private Equity
• Opportunity to join a company that plans to 5x their size in next 3-5 years

This is a critical position for the organization, so candidate must be on-site, no remote or hybrid opportunities. Candidate must be local or willing to relocate.

Please directly apply or reach out to Stephanie Shine or Chris Chunn on LinkedIn. Local applicants will be given priority consideration.

Arkansas Talent Group is an Executive Permanent Placement Recruitment Firm, all considerations will be held confidential.