Controller- For Bowers Client - Airport Lighting Company

About our Client: Airport Lighting Company is a world-class supplier of high-quality airfield lighting solutions, including runway lights, approach systems, and power and control systems. As an ISO certified company, Airport Lighting Company uses tech-based design, build, and testing processes that keep our products consistently meeting or exceeding industry standards. To learn more, visit: www.airportlightingcompany.com

Mission: Our mission is to always provide our customers with additional value and a service experience that builds trusted long-term relationships.

Position Overview: The Controller is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s accounting and financial operations. This hands-on leadership role ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial data, supports strategic decision-making, and drives process improvements across the organization. The ideal candidate will combine strong accounting expertise with leadership, analytical, and communication skills suitable for a small but growing manufacturing business. This position is in the office, located in Manlius, NY.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Reporting

• Manage daily accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash management, and the general ledger.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Maintain a rolling 13-week cash flow forecast and monitor cash position daily.
• Prepare and present financial reports and analyses for senior management.
• Manage fixed asset tracking, reconciliations, and annual reporting (e.g., 1099s).
• Coordinate external audits and support tax preparation and compliance efforts.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the preparation of the annual operating budget and long-term forecasts.
• Monitor actual results against budgets and forecasts, providing variance analysis and actionable insights.
• Support business planning and decision-making through financial modeling and scenario analysis.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Establish, maintain, and monitor internal controls to safeguard company assets.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local accounting and tax regulations.
• Maintain documentation for financial policies, workflows, and procedures.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff (A/P and A/R).
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture emphasizing accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with other departments (Production, Purchasing, Sales, etc.) to align financial processes with operational goals.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Oversee the maintenance and improvement of the accounting/ERP system.
• Identify inefficiencies and implement process enhancements to improve financial accuracy and timeliness.
• Support cross-departmental projects and process automation initiatives.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA or CMA preferred but not required.
• 5–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 2–3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Manufacturing industry experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with ERP/accounting software systems required.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and internal control principles.
• Experience in cost accounting and inventory management.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis).
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on execution.
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to confidentiality.

Salary: $95,800 - $115,000.

Excellent Benefits

EOE

Salary : $95,800 - $115,000