Aris Amplify
Job Overview
A rapidly growing manufacturer of custom protective case solutions serving defense, aerospace, healthcare and other mission-critical markets is seeking a Controller to join its leadership team. Backed by a long-term investment partner and in the midst of significant expansion, the company is strengthening its financial infrastructure, scaling operations and integrating multiple recent acquisitions. The Controller will play a key role in driving financial clarity, operational excellence and strategic decision support during this period of growth.
This role is based in St. Louis, Missouri. Competitive compensation, benefits and potential incentive equity are available for the right leader.
Position Summary The Controller serves as a key member of the management team and helps build a scalable financial and operational foundation. This individual will work closely with leadership to refine processes, elevate reporting, strengthen systems and support strategic planning efforts. The position requires hands-on technical strength, manufacturing cost accounting expertise and a collaborative and forward-thinking approach.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategy Partner with senior leadership to build a deep understanding of financial drivers, goals and the operational model. Contribute to long-term planning, budgeting and financial strategy. Identify systems or processes that need modernization and lead the deployment of improved tools and workflows. Reporting and Insights Enhance financial reporting capabilities, including KPIs, dashboards, flash reports and variance analyses. Standardize weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting rhythms, including materials for board meetings. Manage consolidated financials across multiple operating entities. Build tools that give leadership accurate insight into performance, cash flow and operational trends. Systems and Data Integrity Improve controls, data integrity and reporting efficiency across the organization. Financial Operations and Controls Establish and maintain accounting processes that ensure accurate and reliable data. Oversee accounts receivable, accounts payable, reconciliations, general ledger maintenance, internal reporting and monthly close. Prepare annual budgets and provide monthly variance reporting with actionable insights. Manage external accounting, tax, audit and lending relationships. Support acquisitions, including financial diligence, integration and reporting alignment. Lead or oversee annual audits, tax returns and regulatory filings. Develop consistent performance metrics to evaluate efficiency and cost structure. Use KPIs to identify trends, highlight risks and recommend corrective actions. Partner with leadership to drive operational improvements grounded in financial insight. Enhance cash flow visibility and forecasting tools to support decision-making.
Qualifications Five or more years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing Strong background in cost accounting and understanding of production workflows Prior experience as a Controller or equivalent finance leader Bachelors degree in accounting, finance or a related field required CPA preferred; strong understanding of GAAP and accrual accounting required Hands-on experience with general ledger management, consolidations, reconciliations and variance reporting
Key Strengths Ability to evaluate systems, optimize processes and implement strong controls Skilled in Excel and financial reporting tools with comfort working across software platforms Strong analytical, communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence cross-functionally High personal integrity, an ownership mindset, disciplined execution and a collaborative leadership style
About Aris Amplify This search is being conducted by Aris Amplify, a Charles Aris Inc. company. We connect top-tier talent with growth-oriented companies nationwide in Accounting & Finance, Engineering & Operations, Sales & Marketing and HR & Executive Support on a contingent basis. We are committed to creating meaningful connections between exceptional talent and dynamic organizations through a focused, efficient and personalized recruiting process. Learn more about our approach at charlesaris.com/aris-amplify-recruiting-services.
This role is based in St. Louis, Missouri. Competitive compensation, benefits and potential incentive equity are available for the right leader.
Position Summary The Controller serves as a key member of the management team and helps build a scalable financial and operational foundation. This individual will work closely with leadership to refine processes, elevate reporting, strengthen systems and support strategic planning efforts. The position requires hands-on technical strength, manufacturing cost accounting expertise and a collaborative and forward-thinking approach.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategy Partner with senior leadership to build a deep understanding of financial drivers, goals and the operational model. Contribute to long-term planning, budgeting and financial strategy. Identify systems or processes that need modernization and lead the deployment of improved tools and workflows. Reporting and Insights Enhance financial reporting capabilities, including KPIs, dashboards, flash reports and variance analyses. Standardize weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting rhythms, including materials for board meetings. Manage consolidated financials across multiple operating entities. Build tools that give leadership accurate insight into performance, cash flow and operational trends. Systems and Data Integrity Improve controls, data integrity and reporting efficiency across the organization. Financial Operations and Controls Establish and maintain accounting processes that ensure accurate and reliable data. Oversee accounts receivable, accounts payable, reconciliations, general ledger maintenance, internal reporting and monthly close. Prepare annual budgets and provide monthly variance reporting with actionable insights. Manage external accounting, tax, audit and lending relationships. Support acquisitions, including financial diligence, integration and reporting alignment. Lead or oversee annual audits, tax returns and regulatory filings. Develop consistent performance metrics to evaluate efficiency and cost structure. Use KPIs to identify trends, highlight risks and recommend corrective actions. Partner with leadership to drive operational improvements grounded in financial insight. Enhance cash flow visibility and forecasting tools to support decision-making.
Qualifications Five or more years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing Strong background in cost accounting and understanding of production workflows Prior experience as a Controller or equivalent finance leader Bachelors degree in accounting, finance or a related field required CPA preferred; strong understanding of GAAP and accrual accounting required Hands-on experience with general ledger management, consolidations, reconciliations and variance reporting
Key Strengths Ability to evaluate systems, optimize processes and implement strong controls Skilled in Excel and financial reporting tools with comfort working across software platforms Strong analytical, communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence cross-functionally High personal integrity, an ownership mindset, disciplined execution and a collaborative leadership style
About Aris Amplify This search is being conducted by Aris Amplify, a Charles Aris Inc. company. We connect top-tier talent with growth-oriented companies nationwide in Accounting & Finance, Engineering & Operations, Sales & Marketing and HR & Executive Support on a contingent basis. We are committed to creating meaningful connections between exceptional talent and dynamic organizations through a focused, efficient and personalized recruiting process. Learn more about our approach at charlesaris.com/aris-amplify-recruiting-services.