Operational Controller

Operations Controller

Bentleyville, PA | Hybrid Schedule (2 3 Days Onsite)
Direct Hire | $90,000 $120,000 Base (Exceptional Candidates up to $130,000)

Position Overview

A leading global industrial manufacturer is seeking an Operations Controller to provide financial leadership and strategic business partnership for a large manufacturing operation supporting customers throughout North America. This high-visibility role partners closely with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to drive operational performance, improve processes, and strengthen financial controls.

The Operations Controller will play a key role in rebuilding and enhancing the onsite finance function while supporting forecasting, reporting, budgeting, and continuous improvement initiatives. This opportunity offers significant growth potential and a clear path toward future leadership responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Deliver meaningful month-end reporting and analysis, highlighting trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Monitor key performance indicators including backlog, shipments, working capital, and productivity metrics.
• Support monthly operating reviews and provide actionable recommendations to leadership.

Forecasting & Budgeting

• Prepare and maintain forecasts, budgets, and operating plans.
• Analyze revenue trends, margins, spending, and balance sheet performance.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities to improve business results.

Business Partnership

• Partner with operations, manufacturing, procurement, project management, and leadership teams to support strategic objectives.
• Provide financial insight to drive margin improvement and operational efficiency.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to plant leadership and key stakeholders.

Process Improvement

• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives across finance and operations.
• Improve reporting capabilities, backlog visibility, and system utilization.
• Strengthen internal controls and optimize business processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as the primary liaison between site operations and corporate finance teams.
• Support shared services, treasury, FP&A, and various corporate initiatives.
• Work closely with project managers and manufacturing teams to analyze operational and financial performance.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 4 6+ years of accounting, finance, cost accounting, or manufacturing controllership experience.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing accounting principles.
• Experience with forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and business partnering abilities.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables and reporting functions.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and drive change.

Preferred

• Cost accounting experience.
• ERP experience, preferably SAP.
• MBA, CPA, CMA, CFA, or other relevant certifications.
• Experience supporting audits and internal controls.
• Familiarity with Hyperion, HFM, or other financial reporting tools.

Work Environment

• Hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 3 days onsite each week.
• Increased onsite presence may be required during month-end close and key business cycles.
• Approximately 15% travel.
• Collaborative, highly visible role with significant interaction across operations and finance teams.

Why This Opportunity?

• High-impact position supporting the largest revenue-generating manufacturing site within the business.
• Finance is viewed as a strategic partner with direct influence on operational decisions.
• Opportunity to lead meaningful process improvements and transformation initiatives.
• Exposure to complex manufacturing operations and senior leadership.