Corporate Controller

THE OPPORTUNITY

• Are you looking for an opportunity to partner with business executives to optimize accounting and financial insights across an organization?
• Are you excited by the opportunity to be in a role that allows you to develop strategy as well as working on projects in the business?
• Do you have a passion for and experience in a multi-site manufacturing organization?

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Founded in 1963 in Middletown, OH, family-owned Akers Packaging was established—specializing in creating custom packaging and shipping solutions, wooden pallets, and folding cardboard cartons. With customers in the automotive, food and appliance industries, Akers focused on customer service and quick delivery, providing same or next-day delivery in a time before “just in time delivery” was a term.

Today Akers Packaging has 500 employees at 14 locations across the Midwest. They have continued to focus on customer service and relationships in the last 60 years. Just as important is developing their people and encouraging them to take ownership of their job, do the right thing for the company, and continue to focus on customer service, both within Akers and with their customers.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Reporting to the President with a dotted line relationship to the Managing Director, the Corporate Controller is responsible for a team of eight controllers across the 14 locations. Function responsibilities include:

Financial Management & Reporting--Ownership of all internal and external reporting requirements of the business and related entities.

• Oversee financial reporting for multiple manufacturing sites, ensuring timely and accurate month-end and year-end closings.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, ensuring compliance with GAAP/IFRS and company policies.
• Monitor and manage working capital, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and inventory valuation.
• Develop KPIs for plant personnel for inventory management.
• Identify areas of consolidation of vendor spend to leverage price concessions.
• Develop financial reports and dashboards to provide insights into business performance and areas for improvement.
• Complete bank and shareholder reporting as required.
• Manage reporting requirements for various benefits services (401(k), pensions, etc.)

Cost Accounting & Analysis--Lead variance analysis to improve profitability of the organization.

• Implement and maintain cost accounting systems to track production costs, variances, and profitability by site.
• Analyze standard vs. actual costs and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Monitor inventory accounting, ensuring accuracy in valuation, cycle counts, and reconciliations.
• Develop checks and balances to validate divisional accuracy.
• Collaborate with operations to optimize production costs, improve efficiency and pricing methodologies.

Budgeting & Forecasting--Lead the annual budgeting process for all manufacturing locations.

• Develop financial forecasts and track performance against budgeted targets.
• Provide variance analysis and recommendations for corrective actions.
• Manage and oversee the due diligence process for acquisitions as directed by leadership.

Internal Controls & Compliance--Establish and enforce internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with financial regulations.

• Coordinate audits (internal and external) and ensure adherence to corporate policies.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations, government reporting requirements, and industry standards.

Leadership & Team Management--Lead and develop a team of accounting professionals across multiple locations.

• Foster collaboration between finance and other departments, including production, procurement, and sales.
• Periodic assessments of processes of direct reports.
• Provide training and support to ensure team members understand financial processes and compliance requirements.

Systems & Process Improvement--Optimize accounting processes and implement best practices for efficiency and accuracy.

• Drive automation and digitalization initiatives to streamline accounting workflows.
• Streamline closing processes and procedures.
• Streamline classifications and accounting treatment.
• Oversee ERP system usage and enhancements to improve financial reporting and data integrity.

Management of Unrelated Businesses

• Manage the accounting, tax and banking needs of family holdings as needed.
• Implement processes and automated tools to minimize service gaps where possible.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting (with CPA highly preferred).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Experience managing accounting functions across multiple locations.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (Microsoft Dynamics preferred) and advanced Excel skills.
• 5 years of experience in public accounting preferred.
• History in family owned, privately held businesses preferred.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.

OUR COMMITMENT TO CANDIDATES

Gilman Partners is committed to strengthening leadership teams and elevating talent in our communities—and that means all qualified applicants will receive consideration. You do not have to meet every qualification in this job description to apply. If you’re drawn to the position and believe your experience makes you a good fit, we encourage you to reach out.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This role is in-office at Akers’ headquarters in Middletown. Some travel to Chicago or other locations maybe been needed, estimated at 10-15% monthly