Corporate Controller

Universal Plastics is a leading custom manufacturer specializing in thermoforming, injection molding, and custom blow molding. For nearly five decades, we have turned bold product ideas into high-quality reality for customers ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Our clients span diverse industries, including aerospace, medical devices, transportation, and industrial equipment, where complexity, aesthetics, and precision matter.

Operating from four facilities across the Northeast and Midwest, we manage every step of the process, from engineering and tooling through final assembly and finishing. Our teams take pride in solving tough engineering challenges and helping customers push the boundaries of design, materials, and manufacturing; all while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Behind our innovative manufacturing capabilities is a disciplined, data-driven business foundation. The Finance and Accounting team plays a vital role in sustaining profitable growth, supporting strategic investments, and driving continuous improvement across our operations. We are actively recruiting for a Corporate Controller who will work with the CEO and Owner and oversee this team. Joining Universal Plastics means being part of a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where your analytical skills, business insight, and financial leadership will directly influence how we scale and succeed.

About the Role:

The Corporate Controller is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the integrity, efficiency, and strategic direction of the company’s financial operations. This position requires an individual who is obsessed with balance sheet accuracy, driven by continuous process streamlining, and capable of translating complex financial data into actionable insights for the CEO, COO, and General Managers. The Controller will own the entire accounting function, ensure compliance, and be a key partner in driving business performance and capital strategy. A deep understanding of manufacturing and an appreciation for throughput accounting principles is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Analysis:

• Own the end-to-end accounting process including a consistent month-end close, maintaining high standards for the balance sheet and financial presentation.
• Own the forecasting of the P&L and company performance, integrating analysis of manufacturing KPIs and new sales opportunities to ensure accurate projections.
• Conduct comprehensive Financial Reviews with management, providing clear, proactive explanations of major P&L drivers and identifying key areas of financial concern.
• Produce insightful income statements that clearly present the P&L and highlight underlying trends.

Operational Excellence & Compliance:

• Build and document robust accounting procedures and principles consistent with the company's framework.
• Drive a culture of standardization and automation everywhere within the finance function, utilizing system-generated reports effectively.
• Engage deeply with the pricing model and manufacturing KPIs to ensure they are properly linked and reconciled with the P&L.
• Proactively provide relevant, timely data to GMs to help them understand their variances, while providing support and education on how to interpret the financial data.
• Understand the major operational actions of each site and accurately model their financial impact on the P&L, including conducting on-site visits to each site 1x per quarter.
• Lead vendor contract review and management.

Leadership & Strategy:

• Lead, organize, and manage the accounting department to continuously improve efficiency, holding staff accountable to clear goals and metrics.
• Manage the external audit/review process effectively.
• Support the CEO in determining the proper financing and capital structure of the business.
• Manage key external relationships with Accountants, Insurance providers, and IT partners.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; CPA or MBA is a strong plus
• 6-8 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including at least 3 years in a management level position
• Proven experience in a manufacturing environment with a strong understanding of cost and throughput accounting
• Deep knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and ERP systems
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to interpret complex financial data, identify trends, and communicate actionable recommendations to non-financial leaders
• Familiarity with pricing models, inventory valuation, and job costing
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and relentless in pursuit of balance sheet accuracy and process improvement
• Strategic thinker who can move seamlessly between tactical execution and high-level financial planning
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong business acumen and a bias for action
• Hands-on, proactive, and comfortable spending time on the plant floor to understand business drivers
• Demonstrated ability to build and mentor a high-performing finance team, fostering accountability and continuous improvement