Controller - East Lansing Area

Controller | East Lansing, MI

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

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for financial leadership and driving business performance? The Pivot Group is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career advancement. We are collaborating with leading companies in East Lansing seeking experienced Controllers.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across East Lansing seeking Controllers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all financial operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.
• Manage the budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes for the manufacturing facility.
• Develop and maintain robust cost accounting systems, including standard costing, variance analysis, and COGS reporting.
• Ensure accurate inventory valuation and reconciliation, collaborating with operations on inventory control.
• Prepare timely and accurate financial statements, management reports, and performance analysis.
• Implement and enforce strong internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with policies and regulations.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic decision-making and operational efficiency improvements.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA or CMA certification highly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, with a significant portion in a manufacturing environment.
• Deep expertise in cost accounting, inventory valuation, and GAAP compliance specific to manufacturing operations.
• Proven proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and advanced Excel for financial modeling and analysis.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and driving financial performance improvements.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with advanced data visualization and business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification/experience.
• Prior involvement in ERP system implementation or significant upgrade projects.
• Experience with multi-site or international manufacturing operations.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Controller, Financial Controller, Corporate Controller, Assistant Controller, Director of Finance, VP Finance, Chief Accounting Officer, Accounting Manager, Finance Manager, Head of Accounting

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group 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.

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. The Pivot Group 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.