What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Controller position at Grip-Tite Manufacturing?
Position Title: Controller
Reports To: CEO
Department: Administration
Employment Status: Full Time / Exempt
Location: Johnston, IA
About Us
Grip-Tite Manufacturing, headquartered in Winterset, Iowa, is a 100 year-old American manufacturer specializing in high-quality earth anchoring solutions for the foundation repair and utility industries. As a "100-year startup," we combine proven craftsmanship with innovative growth, pursuing an ambitious $80M revenue target by scaling high-margin utility and foundation repair segments and advancing smart technologies to gain market share.
Primary Purpose
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller to oversee financial operations and support our growth objectives. Reporting directly to the CEO and based in our Johnston, Iowa office, this role will manage day-to-day accounting, enhance reporting and controls, drive profitability analysis, and contribute to strategic initiatives including budgeting, cost management, and process improvements. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable in a fast-paced entrepreneurial manufacturing environment.
WHY GRIP-TITE MANUFACTURING CO.? Grip-Tite Manufacturing Co. offers a challenging work environment, competitive benefits, and a culture that promotes growth, along with celebrating success. Here at Grip-Tite we realize that our greatest assets are our employees, and we are committed to developing and promoting our talented individuals to support our future leadership needs.
Key Responsibilites
This position is active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching all day with the ability to be mobile throughout required work areas.
What We Offer
External hiring into this position is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment, post offer drug screen, background and reference check.
Grip-Tite Manufacturing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Reports To: CEO
Department: Administration
Employment Status: Full Time / Exempt
Location: Johnston, IA
About Us
Grip-Tite Manufacturing, headquartered in Winterset, Iowa, is a 100 year-old American manufacturer specializing in high-quality earth anchoring solutions for the foundation repair and utility industries. As a "100-year startup," we combine proven craftsmanship with innovative growth, pursuing an ambitious $80M revenue target by scaling high-margin utility and foundation repair segments and advancing smart technologies to gain market share.
Primary Purpose
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller to oversee financial operations and support our growth objectives. Reporting directly to the CEO and based in our Johnston, Iowa office, this role will manage day-to-day accounting, enhance reporting and controls, drive profitability analysis, and contribute to strategic initiatives including budgeting, cost management, and process improvements. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable in a fast-paced entrepreneurial manufacturing environment.
WHY GRIP-TITE MANUFACTURING CO.? Grip-Tite Manufacturing Co. offers a challenging work environment, competitive benefits, and a culture that promotes growth, along with celebrating success. Here at Grip-Tite we realize that our greatest assets are our employees, and we are committed to developing and promoting our talented individuals to support our future leadership needs.
Key Responsibilites
- Oversee core accounting operations, including accounts payable (A/P), accounts receivable (A/R), banking transactions (daily reconciliations, funds transfers, ACH/wire setup and approvals), and general ledger maintenance.
- Perform daily bank reconciliations, verify and set up vendor payments, approve ACH/wires, and handle recurring monthly entries (e.g., auto-deducts, commissions).
- Prepare weekly cash reports, review and modify A/P selections, process payroll journal entries, and make month-end expense/accrual entries to support accurate financial close.
- Enhance financial reporting through timely monthly/quarterly/annual statements, in-depth reviews, GL code restructuring, and development of meaningful metrics and dashboards.
- Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes; monitor variances and provide insights to management.
- Analyze profitability by product line, segment, and customer; refine cost accounting systems (job costing, variances) to improve pricing and decision-making.
- Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities; evaluate spending trends and recommend efficiencies.
- Ensure compliance with sales tax filings, excise tax reporting, insurance renewals, and regulatory requirements.
- Document key financial processes for consistency, scalability, and audit readiness.
- Lead collections on aged receivables, resolution of past-due payables (including vendor coordination for missing invoices), and cleanup of historical misapplications.
- Collaborate cross-functionally on ERP utilization (Acumatica), financial reviews, and strategic projects.
- Manage and mentor 1-3 accounting staff and respond to internal/external financial inquiries.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA or CMA strongly preferred.
- 7 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 3 years as a Controller or similar role in a manufacturing company ($20M–$60M revenue ideal).
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, cost accounting, and internal controls in a manufacturing setting.
- Proficiency in ERP systems (experience with Acumatica a plus), advanced Excel, and financial modeling.
- Proven ability to manage full-cycle accounting, improve processes, and deliver accurate, timely reporting.
- Experience with banking operations (ACH/wires, reconciliations), payroll, sales/excise tax compliance, and insurance administration.
- Excellent analytical skills with a track record of driving profitability insights and cost reductions.
- Strong communication skills to present financial data clearly to executive and operational teams.
- Thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented "100-year startup" environment.
This position is active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching all day with the ability to be mobile throughout required work areas.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus performance-based incentives.
- Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
- Collaborative workplace in Johnston, Iowa.
- Opportunity to play a central role in a legacy company’s next phase of growth and innovation.
External hiring into this position is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment, post offer drug screen, background and reference check.
Grip-Tite Manufacturing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.