Senior Controller (CFO Track)

Title:                          Senior Controller (CFO Track)

Location:                   Clinton, MA

Reports to:                CEO/President

Job Classification:     Salaried - exempt

Salary:                       $170K–$190K base plus performance bonus

About Darmann

Since 1983, Darmann has been revolutionizing the abrasive products industry through innovation that improves manufacturing precision and productivity. We specialize in fine grit abrasive stones known for unmatched quality, consistency, and performance, supporting customers across highly technical industries including automotive, aerospace, medical implants, and semiconductors.

Darmann is an employee-owned organization committed to solving the industry’s most complex challenges through collaboration and shared accountability. As part of our ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), employees have the opportunity to build long-term financial value and contribute directly to the company’s success. We prioritize a high-performance environment where continuous improvement, ownership, and mutual respect are expected and reinforced.

Position Overview

Darmann is seeking a high-impact Senior Controller with the capability and ambition to grow into the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role within 2–3 years. This role is designed for a hands-on financial leader who can both build foundational systems and evolve into a strategic partner as the company scales.

With a board-approved strategic plan to grow revenue 2-3x over the next three years, this individual will play a critical role in strengthening financial infrastructure, improving visibility into performance, and guiding strategic decision-making.

This is a roll-up-your-sleeves role initially, transitioning into a forward-looking, strategic finance leadership position.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations & Infrastructure (Near-Term Priority)

• Own and improve all core accounting functions: GL, month-end close, financial reporting, AR/AP oversight
• Evaluate, implement, and optimize ERP/accounting systems and processes to support scale
• Establish and document standard operating procedures, controls, and workflows
• Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of financial data
• Assess staffing needs and help build out the finance function (including potential part-time/full-time hires)

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Develop and lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning aligned with growth targets
• Build actionable KPIs and dashboards for operational and financial performance
• Provide insights on cost structure, margins, pricing, and operational efficiency
• Support capital planning and investment decisions

Strategic Leadership (Evolving Responsibility)

• Partner with the CEO and leadership team on strategic initiatives and growth execution
• Translate financial data into clear recommendations and business strategy
• Prepare materials and reporting for board-level discussions
• Play a key role in scaling operations, evaluating acquisitions (if applicable), and managing growth risks

Compliance, Controls & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable regulations
• Strengthen internal controls and financial governance
• Manage relationships with external accountants, auditors, and advisors

Team Structure (Current & Future)

• Current team: 1 administrative staff member handling AR/AP
• Expected: build and lead a small but scalable finance team, including potential near-term hires

Required Qualifications

• 10 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role
• Direct experience in an industrial manufacturing environment (required)
• Strong background in cost accounting, inventory, and manufacturing operations finance
• Proven experience implementing or upgrading financial systems/ERP platforms
• Demonstrated ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a lean environment
• Experience supporting high-growth companies or scaling operations
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA strongly preferred)

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience stepping into or preparing for a CFO role
• Experience working with private companies and/or board reporting
• Familiarity with operational finance in production environments (e.g., job costing, throughput, capacity planning)

Leadership Traits & Success Profile

• Builder mindset: enjoys creating structure where it doesn’t yet exist
• Hands-on and pragmatic: willing to dive into details while keeping the big picture in mind
• Strategic thinker: able to connect financial insights to business outcomes
• Change agent: comfortable driving process improvements and system upgrades
• Communicator: able to translate financial concepts clearly to non-financial leaders
• Growth-oriented: motivated to step into a CFO role in the near future

Career Path

• This role is intentionally structured as a CFO succession position. As Darmann scales, the Senior Controller will transition from primarily operational finance responsibilities into:
• Enterprise-level financial strategy
• Capital allocation and growth planning
• Board-facing CFO leadership

Why This Role

• Opportunity to build and lead the finance function during a critical growth phase
• Clear and defined path to CFO within 2–3 years
• Direct impact on shaping the company’s financial and strategic direction
• High visibility with executive leadership and the board

Equal Opportunity

Darmann provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.