Role Overview for VP, Corporate Controller with a Public Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, publicly traded manufacturing organization in the greater Cleveland, Ohio area in their search for a dynamic and strategic VP, Corporate Controller. This is a critical leadership position reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and serving as a key member of the senior finance leadership team. The VP, Corporate Controller will be the principal accounting officer of the company, responsible for the integrity of all financial information, regulatory reporting, and the development and maintenance of a robust internal control environment.
This executive will lead a talented team of accounting professionals and will be responsible for all aspects of the corporate accounting function, including financial reporting, technical accounting, global consolidation, internal controls (SOX), accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll. The ideal candidate is a hands-on yet strategic leader with extensive experience in a complex, global manufacturing environment and a deep understanding of the regulatory demands placed on public companies.
You will be a trusted advisor to the CFO and the executive leadership team, providing critical insights and analysis to support strategic decision-making, M&A activities, and operational excellence. This role requires a leader who can not only ensure flawless execution of day-to-day accounting operations but also drive continuous improvement, scalability, and transformation within the finance organization to support the company’s long-term growth objectives.
We are seeking an individual with unimpeachable integrity, a strong work ethic, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented culture. Your leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of the finance function, mentoring the next generation of accounting leaders, and ensuring the company’s financial reporting is a bastion of accuracy and transparency for investors and stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Corporate Controller with a Public Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
The VP, Corporate Controller will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing all facets of corporate accounting and financial reporting. Success in this role will be measured by the accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting, the strength of the internal control environment, and the leadership and development of the accounting team.
SEC Reporting and Technical Accounting Leadership
- Oversee the preparation and filing of all external financial reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and the annual proxy statement, ensuring compliance with all U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and GAAP requirements.
- Serve as the company’s primary subject matter expert on complex technical accounting issues. Proactively research, interpret, and implement new accounting pronouncements and standards, assessing their impact on the company’s financial statements and operations.
- Draft and maintain comprehensive accounting policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance across the global organization.
- Manage the relationship with external auditors, overseeing the planning and execution of quarterly reviews and the annual audit to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
- Prepare and present financial materials for the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, effectively communicating complex accounting matters.
Internal Controls and SOX Compliance
- Lead the company’s Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) 404 compliance program, including risk assessment, control documentation, testing, and remediation efforts.
- Continuously evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, identifying areas for improvement and enhancement.
- Partner with internal audit and business process owners to ensure a strong and efficient control environment is maintained throughout the organization.
Global Consolidation and Financial Close
- Direct the global monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close and consolidation process, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and adherence to corporate deadlines.
- Oversee the consolidation of financial results from multiple domestic and international subsidiaries, including the management of intercompany transactions and foreign currency accounting.
- Drive initiatives to streamline and accelerate the close process through automation and process improvement.
Team Leadership and Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global accounting team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Establish clear goals, objectives, and performance metrics for the department and individual team members.
- Attract, retain, and develop top accounting talent, building a strong succession pipeline within the finance organization.
Operational and Strategic Finance
- Oversee core transactional accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, and payroll.
- Provide critical accounting support and due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions, and lead the financial integration of acquired businesses.
- Partner closely with the FP&A team to ensure alignment between accounting results and the company’s budget and forecast.
- Manage the company’s stock-based compensation accounting and administration.
- Oversee cost accounting functions, ensuring the accuracy of inventory valuation, standard costs, and variance analysis in a complex manufacturing environment.
Requirements for the VP, Corporate Controller with a Public Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
The successful candidate will be a seasoned and credentialed accounting professional with a proven track record of leadership in a publicly traded, global manufacturing company. The following qualifications are required:
Education and Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is mandatory.
- An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive accounting experience, with a clear trajectory of increasing responsibility.
- Significant experience (5+ years) in a senior corporate accounting role (e.g., Corporate Controller, Assistant Controller) within a publicly traded (SEC registrant) global manufacturing company with annual revenues exceeding $500 million.
- A strong foundation in public accounting is required, preferably with a ‘Big 4’ or large national firm, reaching at least the Manager level.
- Demonstrated experience leading all aspects of the SEC reporting process (10-K, 10-Q, etc.).
- In-depth, hands-on experience managing a robust SOX 404 compliance program.
- Experience with complex manufacturing environments, including standard costing, inventory management, and supply chain finance.
- Proven experience leading and developing large, diverse accounting teams.
Skills and Competencies
- Expert-level knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC regulations, and COSO framework.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus at all levels of the organization, including with the executive team and Board of Directors.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
- High proficiency with large-scale ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, JDE) and financial consolidation software (e.g., Hyperion HFM).
- A proactive and results-oriented mindset with a passion for process improvement and driving efficiency.
- Unquestionable personal and professional integrity and a commitment to ethical conduct.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent and offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
- Highly competitive base salary and executive bonus program.
- Long-term incentive plan with equity grants (RSUs/Stock Options).
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Professional development opportunities and support for continuing education.
- Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
- A dynamic, collaborative, and growth-oriented work environment.
How to Apply
This is a retained search exclusively managed by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative accounting leader with the requisite experience and a desire to make a significant impact on a thriving public company, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications. For more information on our expertise in placing top-tier financial executives, please visit the homepage for JRG Partners’ Accounting & Finance executive search practice. We look forward to connecting with you.
