Controller | Traverse City, MI

Salary Range: $121,000 - $170,000 depending on experience

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for financial leadership and driving business performance? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career advancement. We are collaborating with leading companies in Traverse City seeking experienced Controllers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We are collaborating with manufacturing firms in Traverse City that are seeking skilled Controllers. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and are looking for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the general ledger, ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP.
• Manage the month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.
• Implement and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure data integrity.
• Analyze manufacturing costs, variances, and profitability to identify areas for improvement and cost reduction.
• Develop and manage the annual budget and periodic forecasts, providing detailed analysis and reporting on performance against targets.
• Lead the preparation of financial reports for management, lenders, and other stakeholders, providing insightful analysis and recommendations.
• Collaborate with operations to optimize inventory management, production costing, and supply chain efficiency.
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and working capital to ensure adequate liquidity for operations.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• CPA certification preferred
• 7+ years of progressive experience in accounting or finance roles, with at least 3 years in a manufacturing environment
• Proven experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics 365)
• Strong understanding of GAAP and cost accounting principles
• Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data and prepare comprehensive reports

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with an ERP implementation or major upgrade
• CPA or CMA certification
• Experience in a private equity-backed environment
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and their financial implications
• Strong data visualization skills (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)

Job Titles That Should Apply

Controller, Financial Controller, VP of Finance, Director of Finance, Head of Finance, Corporate Controller, Assistant Controller, Finance Director, Finance Manager, Chief Accounting Officer

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.