Controller at Kato Cable LLC – Mankato, Minnesota

JOB PURPOSE: The Controller serves as the senior finance leader responsible for overseeing the organization’s accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and assigned business support functions. This role also oversees the IT and HR departments. The Controller is part of the Leadership Team which will create and drive strategy throughout the organization.

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, or as needed by company requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee all accounting related operations including month-end and year-end close
• Ensure timely, accurate financial reporting and variance analysis for leadership review
• Maintain and strengthen financial controls, job costing, policies and procedures
• Oversee cash management, banking, and short- and long-term cash forecasting
• Coordinate annual audits, tax filings, and relationships with external advisors
• Optimize utilization of ERP and related enterprise systems to improve reporting, data integrity, and process efficiency
• Ensure appropriate controls, user access governance, and segregation of duties
• Coordinate with third-party IT service providers to ensure technology systems support business needs and operate reliably
• Support planning and budgeting of technology initiatives
• Provide leadership oversight of HR and IT Departments, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and financial planning
• Support workforce budgeting, headcount planning, and compensation analysis in collaboration with HR leadership
• Ensure payroll and benefits compliance
• Serve on the leadership team and contribute to strategic planning initiatives
• Translate financial performance into actionable insights for operational stakeholders
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience, Competencies, and Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. Equivalent education and experience will be considered
• Minimum of 7 years of accounting experience in a manufacturing environment, including leadership responsibility
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and internal controls.
• Experience managing financial reporting and close cycles
• Advanced Excel skills; strong financial analysis capability

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience optimizing ERP or enterprise business systems
• Experience working with third-party IT service providers

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND MEASURES:

• Deliver timely, accurate financial reports.
• Ensure strong controls and compliance.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting.
• Manage cash flow and liquidity.
• Provide actionable financial insights.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Stand - Rare /Occasional

Walk - Rare /Occasional

Sit - Frequent

Use of Hands or Fingers - Constant

Talk or Hear - Constant

• Weight Requirements

0 – 10 lbs - Frequent

11 – 25 lbs - Rare /Occasional

26 – 50 lbs - Rare /Occasional

* Rare to Occasional (R/O) = 0-20 times during a shift or up to 33% of the time

* Frequent (F) = 20-100 times during a shift or 33-66% of the time

* Constant (C) = Over 100 times during a shift or 66-100% of the time

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position is performed primarily in a professional office setting within a manufacturing facility. The role involves routine interaction with personnel across administrative and production areas. The employee is not normally exposed to outdoor weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is typically low to moderate.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.