Assistant Controller

Assistant Controller (Controller Successor Track)Are you a hands-on accounting professional ready to take the next step into financial leadership? Our client, a family-owned $25M manufacturing organization in Milwaukee, is seeking an Assistant Controller to join their accounting team in a unique succession-planning role designed to develop the next Controller. This position offers the opportunity to work side-by-side with the current Controller, gain extensive exposure to all aspects of the organization's financial operations, and ultimately transition into the Controller position within 2-3 years.Why This Opportunity?Defined path toward a future Controller roleDirect mentorship from an experienced ControllerBroad exposure to financial reporting, cost accounting, operations, inventory, and strategic financeOpportunity to influence processes, systems, and continuous improvement initiativesStable manufacturing environment with strong cross-functional collaborationPosition SummaryThe Assistant Controller will support and participate in all aspects of the accounting function, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, general ledger, financial reporting, account reconciliations, and month-end close activities. This individual will progressively assume greater responsibility within the department while developing a comprehensive understanding of the business, financial systems, and operational processes.Over time, the successful candidate will transition into a leadership role with increasing responsibility for financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting, inventory management, cash flow, compliance, and team supervision.Key ResponsibilitiesManage day-to-day accounts receivable activities, including cash application, collections, aging reviews, customer account maintenance, and issue resolutionSupport accounts payable and payroll processing while providing backup coverage for critical accounting functionsPrepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedulesAssist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processesPrepare and analyze financial statements and operational reportsSupport inventory valuation, product costing, and margin analysisInvestigate and resolve accounting discrepancies and transaction-related issuesStrengthen internal controls, accounting procedures, and process documentationAssist with audits, tax filings, fixed asset accounting, and compliance activitiesPartner with operations, IT, and leadership teams to improve reporting, ERP utilization, and business processesProvide financial analysis and recommendations to support business decisionsGradually assume leadership responsibilities in preparation for future promotion to ControllerQualificationsRequired:Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field8+ years of progressive accounting experience with experience in the manufacturing industryStrong understanding of general ledger accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, and month-end closeExperience preparing and analyzing financial statementsExperience using ERP and accounting systems and advanced Excel skillsExcellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilitiesStrong communication and leadership skillsHigh level of professionalism, integrity, and accountabilityCost accounting and inventory accounting experience preferredIdeal CandidateThe ideal candidate is a proactive and detail-oriented accounting leader who enjoys both hands-on accounting work and strategic financial analysis. You thrive in a collaborative environment, can communicate effectively with all levels of an organization, and are motivated by the opportunity to grow into a Controller role.If you have a strong accounting foundation, manufacturing experience, and aspirations to advance into a Controller position, we'd like to hear from you. Apply today to learn more about this confidential direct-hire opportunity.