What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at VanderHouwen?
Our client is seeking a Controller to take hands-on ownership of finance and accounting for a growing manufacturing operation. The ideal candidate is a self-directed, decisive accounting leader who thrives in a lean environment, communicates confidently with both technical and executive stakeholders, and can balance day-to-day execution with broader financial strategy.
This role is primarily on-site in Corvallis, Oregon.
Controller Responsibilities
- Lead all finance and accounting activities, including month-end close, GAAP financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial presentations to senior leadership.
- Own manufacturing cost accounting and inventory controls across raw materials, work-in-progress, finished goods, bills of materials, and related operational costs.
- Analyze financial performance against budgets and forecasts, establish meaningful KPIs, and provide actionable insights to improve efficiency and cost management.
- Oversee core accounting processes, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, banking, purchasing transactions, internal controls, and ASC 606 revenue recognition.
- Support the evolution of accounting systems and processes, including an ERP transition, while coordinating with external auditors and strengthening financial policies and controls.
Controller Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; CPA, CMA or MBA is a plus.
- 7 years of progressive accounting leadership experience, including hands-on Controller or comparable financial management responsibility.
- Strong manufacturing accounting background with demonstrated expertise in cost accounting, bills of materials, inventory control, and financial analysis is required.
- Proven ability to independently manage accounting operations in a lean or smaller-company environment.
- Confident, direct, and effective communicator with the executive presence to present financial information, influence business decisions, and partner effectively with technical and non-finance stakeholders.
- Proficiency with Excel and accounting/ERP platforms; SAP is a plus.