Controller | East Lansing, MI

Salary Range: $126,000 - $176,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for financial leadership and driving business performance? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in East Lansing seeking skilled 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 working with companies in East Lansing that are adding Controllers to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you're looking for.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations including billing, A/R, A/P, GL, and cost accounting.
• Prepare and publish timely monthly financial statements for management.
• Manage the annual budget and forecasting processes.
• Coordinate the preparation of regulatory reporting.
• Support annual external audits and tax filings.
• Analyze variances and communicate financial insights to operational leaders.
• Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain internal controls.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, cost accounting principles, and financial reporting.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics).
• Proven ability to lead and develop a team.
• CPA or CMA certification preferred.

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
• Advanced Excel and data modeling skills

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

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.