Controller | Traverse City, MI

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

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for financial leadership and driving business performance? The Pivot Group is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Traverse City seeking experienced Controllers.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Traverse City region seeking Controllers. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all financial reporting, including month-end close, P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow statements.
• Lead the annual budget process and develop periodic financial forecasts.
• Manage cost accounting activities, including standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory valuation.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and all relevant tax regulations.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support operational decision-making and identify cost reduction opportunities.
• Oversee working capital management and optimize cash flow.
• Administer external audits and ensure adherence to audit requirements.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA or CMA certification strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, cost accounting principles, and inventory valuation.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement financial controls, budgets, and forecasts.
• Experience leading and mentoring an accounting team.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with ERP system implementation, migration, or significant optimization projects.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage advanced data analytics or Business Intelligence (BI) tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for financial insights.
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with M&A due diligence and post-acquisition financial integration.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group 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.

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. The Pivot Group 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.