Controller - Jonesboro, AR

Overview

At Hytrol, we create material handling technology and relationships that move the world. For over 75 years, we have engineered and manufactured world-class conveyor systems, guided by our core values of Faith, Family, Empathy, Commitment, Gratitude, and Community.

The Controller is responsible for leading the accounting function and ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the company’s financial reporting. This position oversees the month-end close process, internal controls, accounting operations, cost accounting, regulatory reporting, audits, and financial policy compliance.

The Controller must be a seasoned accounting leader who can build, develop, and strengthen the accounting team through effective coaching, clear expectations, fair delegation, and timely decision-making. This role requires someone who is technically strong, people-focused, and capable of developing others by giving team members appropriate opportunities to grow into higher-level responsibilities.

The successful candidate will be expected to lead with ownership, identify staffing or process constraints early, take decisive action when performance indicators begin to suffer, and ensure the accounting team has the structure, skill, and support needed to meet the needs of the business.

Responsibilities

Financial Reporting and Month-End Close

Lead the monthly close process to produce accurate and timely financial statements

Oversee bank reconciliations, balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, reserves, and required adjustments

Review financial statements and supporting schedules for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies

Ensure accounting records fairly reflect the financial position and operating results of the company

Partner with FP&A by providing accurate actual results, explanations of accounting activity, and support for budget-to-actual review

Internal Controls and Financial Integrity

Develop, maintain, and continuously improve a strong internal control environment

Safeguard company assets through effective accounting processes, approvals, reconciliations, and segregation of duties

Ensure company policies and procedures are followed consistently

Identify gaps in accounting processes or controls and lead the development of corrective procedures

Proactively identify potential losses due to error, fraud, theft, or process breakdowns

Accounting Operations Leadership

Manage the Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Cost Accounting functions

Ensure each accounting function operates efficiently, accurately, and in support of company objectives

Establish clear departmental priorities, deadlines, performance expectations, and accountability

Monitor accounting department KPIs and take timely action when performance, staffing, or process issues arise

Ensure vacant roles, workload imbalances, or skill gaps are addressed promptly and decisively

Team Leadership, Development, and Delegation

Recruit, train, coach, and develop accounting personnel to build a strong and capable financial team

Intentionally delegate responsibilities in a fair and thoughtful manner to develop team members and build departmental depth

Provide team members with opportunities to learn higher-level accounting tasks, decision-making skills, and cross-functional business knowledge

Assess team capabilities and create development plans to close skill gaps

Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth

Balance workload across the department while ensuring critical knowledge is not concentrated with one individual

Make timely decisions regarding staffing, performance management, role clarity, and departmental structure

Cost Accounting and Inventory

Manage the calculation and reliable reporting of product costs, margins, inventory values, and related financial impacts

Partner with operations, purchasing, engineering, and FP&A to understand cost drivers and margin trends

Assist with the performance and management of physical inventory processes

Review inventory variances and ensure appropriate financial treatment

Support improvements in cost accounting processes, standards, and reporting accuracy

Fixed Assets and Capital Accounting

Manage fixed assets, including additions, disposals, and reconciliation of the fixed asset ledger

Ensure capital purchases are recorded in accordance with capitalization policies

Partner with FP&A on capital appropriation requests, ROI support, and post-project capital reviews, while maintaining ownership of accounting treatment and fixed asset records

Ensure capital spending is appropriately classified, approved, and supported

Audit, Tax, and Regulatory Reporting

Coordinate and facilitate external audits and provide required documentation to auditors

Oversee regulatory reporting, tax filings, manufacturing surveys, government rebate incentive schedules, and other required reporting

Coordinate with the external CPA firm and other advisors as needed

Ensure timely and accurate completion of audit, tax, and compliance-related requests

Cross-Functional Partnership

Serve as a trusted accounting partner to the CFO, FP&A, operations, and other business leaders

Provide accounting insight to support operational decisions, process improvements, and business initiatives

Support FP&A with accurate actual results, accounting explanations, cost data, and financial reporting support

Take an active role in identifying process improvements that strengthen financial accuracy, efficiency, and accountability

Skills and Competencies

Strong knowledge of GAAP and tax basis accounting

Strong understanding of internal controls in a manufacturing environment

Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, develop, and hold team members accountable

Proven ability to delegate effectively and develop team capability through clear guidance and special projects

Strong decision-making skills, including the ability to identify problems, evaluate options, and take timely action

Ability to recognize staffing, workload, or process issues before they materially impact departmental performance

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy

Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines

Ability to communicate effectively with both financial and non-financial leaders

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required

Experience with ERP systems and modern accounting technology required; Epicor experience preferred

Experience with data analytics or BI tools preferred

Ability to work collaboratively across all levels of the organization

Leadership Expectations

The Controller is expected to lead the accounting department with ownership, clarity, and accountability. This includes building a team that is not only capable of meeting current business needs but also prepared for future growth.

A successful Controller will:

Develop people, not just processes

Delegate meaningful work in a way that builds capability and confidence

Make timely decisions when staffing, performance, or process issues arise

Create a department where knowledge is shared, responsibilities are clear, and team members are growing

Maintain high standards for accuracy, timeliness, accountability, and professional conduct

Education and Qualifications

Master of Accountancy or CPA

Significant progressive accounting experience required

Prior leadership experience in accounting, controllership, or a closely related finance role required

Manufacturing experience strongly preferred

Experience managing month-end close, audits, internal controls, cost accounting, inventory, and fixed assets preferred