Controller

We are assisting our client, Muza Sheet Metal Co., a $50 million dollar manufacturing organization in the Fox Valley area, with the recruitment and selection of a talented Controller with a strong background in financial management and leadership.

Founded in Oshkosh, WI, in 1928, Muza Sheet Metal Co. has grown from a small shop into a nationally recognized leader in architectural sheet metal. The company specializes in designing, manufacturing, and installing high-quality metal wall systems and components, serving architects, general contractors, and builders across the country. Muza’s commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and superior service has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner in the construction industry.

The Controller will be responsible for directing the organization’s financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting along with shaping the financial strategy to ensure Muza’s financial health. This role will be critical in guiding the organization as it transitions into full-scale manufacturing, supporting the company’s long-term growth, and managing the legal and financial risk effectively.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a financial strategy that aligns with the organization’s revenue growth goals. This includes planning for product expansions, operational improvements, and market growth. Forecasting the future of the organization’s manufacturing process is essential as the company transitions from purchasing materials to becoming a full-scale manufacturer.
• Track financial performance and oversee key financial metrics, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and providing regular updates to the executive team.
• Manage investments while ensuring the right financial resources are allocated to future growth opportunities.
• Lead the development of processes that enable effective communication across all departments, including finance, product development, operations, and sales, ensuring seamless collaboration on projects and product launches.
• Work to streamline workflows between manufacturing and construction teams through creating systems that enable clear, consistent reporting and data sharing to keep all teams aligned with company goals and financial performance.
• Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) specifically for both the manufacturing and construction divisions that will track critical metrics such as manufacturing efficiency, construction performance, and forecasting production.
• Ensure the ERP system provides accurate financial reporting, tracks sales, and manages inventory efficiently. The system should also enable better forecasting as the organization scales its manufacturing operations.
• Assess the need for additional staff in the finance and accounting department to ensure organizational goals can be effectively met, oversee and mentor team members through fostering professional growth, expanding the department’s capabilities and providing ongoing support.
• Implement cost-saving measures and improve financial efficiency in both manufacturing and installation. The CFO will monitor metrics such as Inventory Turnover Rate and Production Efficiency to ensure resources are being used effectively.
• Track bidding success rate and new products specified by architects to ensure the organization is winning key bids and products are being specified in architectural designs.
• Work closely with the VP of Product Development, Supply Chain Manager, and operations teams to ensure financial strategies support product innovation and operational efficiency. Ensure cross-departmental alignment with overall company goals through clear and consistent communication.
• Provide the leadership team with actionable financial data to guide decisions on product development, forecasting, and resource allocation, ensuring that the company is aligned with its long-term financial strategy.
• Maintain strong relationships with banks, auditors, insurance providers, and the organization’s accounting firm to ensure financial health and compliance.
• Work with the legal team or external legal counsel to address financial and contract-related legal issues. This may include reviewing contracts, managing financial risks, and ensuring compliance with all legal requirements related to insurance, project agreements, and partnerships.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks through proper internal controls, insurance coverage, and legal compliance, ensuring the company is protected as it scales operations.
• Perform other responsibilities as needed to support the organization’s overall goals and ensure smooth financial operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, and/or business or the equivalent combination of education and experience
• A minimum of 7 to 10 years finance/accounting experience, preferably within a manufacturing organization
• A minimum of 5 years leadership related experience
• CPA license preferred
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to interact with tact, diplomacy and confidentiality
• Resourceful, innovative and well organized
• Ability to assess problems and/or unusual situations and develop logical solutions
• Ability to create a collaborative and motivating team environment
• Ability to develop and advance skills of staff
• Strong ethical focus
• Thorough knowledge/understanding of accounting practices, legal and regulatory matters and industry trends

If you are an enthusiastic leader who prides themselves on providing world class leadership and would like to learn more about this opportunity, please submit your resume via our client application portal.

An Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.