Financial Controller

Position: Financial Controller

Location: Pasadena, TX

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Duration & Type: Full-Time, Monday – Friday; Onsite (5 days per week)

Company: Privately-Owned Machinery Manufacturer servicing various Industrial Industries

Chamberlain Advisors is seeking a dynamic and driven Financial Controller to join our thriving manufacturing client. This is an exciting leadership opportunity for a strategic thinker with strong operational expertise, financial acumen, and a passion for process optimization. As a key player in the organization, you will have the opportunity to drive efficiency, enhance financial performance, and support the company’s continued growth. We’re looking for a results-oriented professional who thrives in solving complex challenges and is eager to make a lasting impact on the business. This position reports directly to the CEO and offers a clear path for growth into a Chief Financial Officer role.

Summary Of Most Suitable Profile

A strategic, results-driven leader with operational expertise and financial ingenuity, this individual is passionate about process optimization and delivering impactful results in leadership roles that extend beyond traditional accounting functions. Highly organized and process-focused, they bring meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement and efficiency. With a strong foundation in accounting principles, payroll, consolidated financial statements, and treasury management, they possess the technical expertise necessary to drive financial success. Their leadership style is defined by effective team management and strong communication skills, fostering collaboration and alignment across teams. An analytical and adaptable problem-solver, they excel in critical thinking and are open to embracing new technologies to enhance operations. Grounded in values such as hard work, trustworthiness, and accountability, they seek to align with company cultures that uphold these principles.

Core profile: alignment with one of these two core profiles is required to get you in the conversation

• An Experienced Controller seeking to advance into a Chief Financial Officer: An experienced Financial Controller with a strong background in supporting the financial strategy and operations of a family-owned manufacturing company. Ensures the accuracy and timeliness of monthly, quarterly, and annual consolidated financial reporting while overseeing financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis. Responsible for cash flow management, capital allocation, treasury functions, and financial integrations, providing strategic insights to drive growth and operational efficiency. Plays a critical role in aligning financial operations with business objectives, enabling data-driven decision-making and fostering long-term value creation for the organization.
• Previous Controller experience for an organization or business unit: A seasoned financial leader with proven experience managing the accounting operations of a privately owned blue-collar company. Takes full accountability and oversight of key accounting functions, including but not limited to general ledger management, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, policies and procedures, internal business controls, compliance, risk management, and cash flow management. Ensures the accuracy and integrity of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting while maintaining strong financial controls and operational efficiency. Possesses a deep understanding of GAAP accounting principles, best practices, and standards. Experience may include leading teams and projects focused on finance and accounting system implementations, continuous improvement initiatives, and audit readiness.
  
  

Differentiators: these will set you apart in the selection process

• Self-starter & Entrepreneurial Spirit – Desire to want to build, grow, and own the outcomes of a business’s success. Someone with a continuous improvement mindset capable of driving for results often with limited or incomplete information. Fast learner who takes initiative to learn quickly, is proactive and goal-oriented, and runs with what information is available versus waiting to be told what to do next.
• Sharp, Strategic Thinking, & Problem Solving – Candidates should describe themselves as sharp, hardworking, and capable of quickly noticing issues, trends, or opportunities. Able to work upwards (to CEO, COO, Leadership Team) and across the business (interdepartmental, customers, vendors, etc.); can “see around the corners” to add value to the business and be a strong strategic thinker.
• Technical Accounting & Financial Expertise – Acts as the organization's go-to accounting expert, with the ability to research complex financial topics, conduct root cause analysis, synthesize key information, and critically evaluate findings to provide clear, professional, and logical insights to a non-accounting audience. Demonstrates proficiency in treasury management, cash flow optimization, and payroll oversight, ensuring financial stability and operational efficiency. Experience with systems that manage inventory at a high level of detail is essential.
• Tech-Savvy Financial Expertise – A data-driven financial leader with deep proficiency in financial systems, ERP platforms, and analytics tools to enhance budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes. Skilled in leveraging automation, dashboards, and advanced Excel or BI tools to drive efficiency and improve decision-making. Experienced in integrating new technologies to optimize financial modeling, scenario planning, and cross-functional collaboration. Continuously seeks and implements innovative solutions to enhance accuracy, transparency, and strategic financial insights.
  
  

What You Will Be Accountable For Accomplishing

Core Financial Operations & Management

• Oversee all accounting operations across 6 entities, encompassing billing, accounts receivable/payable, payroll, general ledger, revenue recognition, fixed assets, compliance, and financial statement preparation.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual consolidated financial reporting (5-day close) for strategic decision-making.
• Demonstrated expertise in overseeing payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance with regulations, and efficient payroll processing aligned with financial reporting and internal controls.
• Lead financial audits, collaborate with external auditors, and ensure readiness and compliance.
• Develop and maintain internal controls, policies, and procedures to ensure GAAP and regulatory compliance.
• Manage preparation and submission of all tax filings (sales, income, property).
• Ensures timely and accurate payments to government and regulatory agencies, including taxes, insurance obligations, accounts payable, and payroll, with a commitment to compliance and reliability.
• Optimize inventory management and resource allocation to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Manage budgeting and forecasting processes to support strategic planning and business growth.
• Provide monthly variance analyses against budgets, forecasts, and prior periods.
• Monitor cash flow, manage debt, handle treasury functions, and maintain banking relationships.
• Regularly monitors and ensures compliance with debt covenants to maintain financial stability and uphold lender agreements.
• Maximize cash flow through improved collection processes, targeting 10% or less in collections, and streamline payment cycles.
• Conduct manufacturing cost accounting and FP&A, focusing on inventory valuation, production costs, and margin analysis within QuickBooks.
• Perform variance analysis for operational improvements and margin enhancement.
  
  

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage and mentor an accounting function of 3 people (A/P, A/R, Procurement), fostering accountability and teamwork.
• Foster team development by providing ongoing training, constructive feedback, and mentorship, ensuring employees have the knowledge and resources to excel in their roles.
• Actively collaborate with team members to identify growth opportunities, enhance skill sets, and promote a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
• Serve as the finance team's point of contact with senior management, ensuring clear communication and strategic alignment.
• Foster a Supportive and Inclusive Culture – Cultivate a work environment where team members feel valued, respected, and motivated by demonstrating empathy, active listening, and open communication.
• Develop and Empower Team Members – Provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to enhance individual strengths, build confidence, and promote career growth.
• Lead with Emotional Intelligence – Leverage strong self-awareness and interpersonal skills to navigate team dynamics, resolve conflicts constructively, and build trust-based relationships that drive collaboration and performance.
• Build and Manage High-Performing Teams – Effectively lead and develop teams in high-pressure environments with limited resources, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational efficiency.
• Balance Hands-On Leadership and Delegation – Engage in hands-on work while strategically delegating tasks to optimize team productivity, efficiency, and overall success.
  
  

Process Improvement & Strategic Partnership

• Contribute to the implementation and optimization of financial systems and processes, including ERP and accounting software.
• Participate in adopting new systems for inventory management and MRP to enhance efficiency and scalability.
• Develop and refine processes and workflows for improved operational efficiency across entities.
• Ensure the meticulous organization and accuracy of financial records and analyses by implementing strong internal controls, standardized reporting procedures, and thorough documentation practices.
• Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date financial data to support strategic decision-making, regulatory compliance, and audit readiness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data integrity, streamline financial reporting processes, and provide meaningful insights that drive business performance and operational efficiency.
• Identify and address process inefficiencies through root cause analysis and implement solutions.
• Adapt to evolving responsibilities and contribute to strategic initiatives, including business expansion, process improvements, and financial optimization efforts.
• Provide timely, insightful financial analysis and recommendations to support management decision-making and contribute to the company’s financial strategy.
  
  

What Qualifications You Will Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration.
• 5 years of progressive experience in accounting.
• Direct prior experience in the manufacturing industry (or related Business Services).
• Prior experience managing critical financial deadlines for tasks such as, month-end close, collections, payroll, and timely payments to regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrated success leading and mentoring accounting teams, combined with an unwavering commitment to meticulousness, accuracy, and detail in managing complex financial operations.
• Advanced proficiency in QuickBooks and experience with mid-market ERP systems is essential.
• Robust skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• CPA or CMA certification highly preferred; relevant experience will be considered.
  
  

About Our Client

This family-owned company has grown from a small job shop into a full-service facility serving the petrochemical, oil and gas, cryogenic, and medical industries. Committed to quality and customer-first values, it specializes in instrumentation sales, repairs, and manufacturing, including transmitters, controllers, diaphragm seals, gauges, and valve positioners. Additional services include NIST-traceable calibrations, oxygen and chlorine service cleaning, CNC machining, welding, and parts manufacturing. With strong industry partnerships, the company continues to deliver top-tier products and services to its clients.