Operations Controller

Our client is seeking an experienced Operations Controller to provide strategic financial leadership across a complex manufacturing and project-driven business. This position will oversee both operational finance and project controls functions while serving as a key business partner to executive leadership, operations, and project management teams. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on finance leader who enjoys driving profitability, improving business processes, leading teams, and influencing operational decisions across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the operations finance and project controls organization, including oversight of finance managers and project controllers.
• Provide financial leadership and strategic business partnership to operations, project management, and executive leadership.
• Oversee project financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, profitability analysis, margin reporting, and cost-to-complete projections.
• Monitor operational and project KPIs, identify risks and opportunities, and drive corrective actions to improve financial performance.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and monthly financial review processes.
• Support capital investment decisions through financial modeling and ROI analysis.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting standards, and financial reporting requirements.
• Develop and mentor finance and project controls professionals while building a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

To be successful in this role, candidates should demonstrate most or all of the following:

• Experience leading a larger finance and project controls organization.
• Leadership experience overseeing project controllers/project controls teams.
• Strong operational finance and business partnering experience with manufacturing or operations leadership.
• Hands-on experience supporting a manufacturing environment with responsibility for cost accounting, profitability, forecasting, and operational reporting.
• Experience leading both manufacturing finance and project controls functions.
• Ability to influence executive leadership and drive strategic decision-making through financial analysis.
• Track record of improving processes, reporting, accountability, and financial performance.

Required Qualifications

• Active CPA certification REQUIRED. Candidates without a CPA will not be considered.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance leadership experience.
• Experience leading finance teams within manufacturing, industrial, engineering, construction, or other project-based environments.
• Strong background in operational finance, cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance management.
• Proven ability to partner with senior leadership and operational leaders to drive business results.
• ERP experience and advanced Excel skills required.
• Public company and SOX experience preferred.