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 Manage all aspects of financial reporting, including month-end close and preparation of financial statements. Lead the annual budgeting process and periodic financial forecasting for manufacturing operations. Oversee cost accounting, inventory valuation, and variance analysis specific to production. Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, and maintain robust internal controls. Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic decision-making and operational efficiency. Manage external audits and maintain relationships with auditors and financial institutions. Optimize cash flow and working capital management within the manufacturing environment. Recommended Qualifications 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, with a substantial portion in a manufacturing environment. Expertise in cost accounting principles, standard costing, inventory valuation, and variance analysis. Proficiency with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Proven ability to prepare accurate financial statements, develop budgets, forecasts, and conduct insightful financial analysis. Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA or CMA certification preferred. Bonus Qualifications Deep experience with ERP system implementation or optimization in a manufacturing environment (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics). Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles and other continuous improvement methodologies. Proficiency with advanced data visualization and business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, SQL). Experience in a multi-site or international manufacturing context. Job Titles That Should Apply Controller, Financial Controller, Corporate Controller, Assistant Controller, Director of Finance, VP Finance, Chief Accounting Officer, Accounting Director, Head of Accounting, Finance Director 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.