Controller at WESTRAFO AMERICA LLC – Trotwood, Ohio

Purpose: We are seeking a highly capable and hands-on Controller to join our leadership team at our newly launched electrical transformer manufacturing facility. Backed by a private investment firm, this operation represents a strategic growth platform with ambitious scale-up goals. The Controller will be instrumental in establishing the financial infrastructure, cost controls, and performance metrics needed to support operational excellence and investor reporting.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing, finance, preferably in electrical equipment or engineered products, with proven experience in cost accounting, ERP implementation, and working in a high-growth environment.

Duties:

Strategic Financial Leadership:

• Act as a key financial partner to the Plant Manager and the investment team, providing insight into financial performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Establish financial processes from the ground up in alignment with private equity expectations (e.g., cash flow focus, KPI tracking, monthly dashboards).
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning activities.

Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Operations:

• Design and implement a robust cost accounting system tailored for transformer production (including BOMs, labor routing, and overhead allocation).
• Analyze manufacturing costs, variances, scrap, and yield metrics to support lean initiatives and margin optimization.
• Monitor and improve inventory accuracy, valuation, and controls (raw materials, WIP, finished goods).

Accounting & Compliance:

• Oversee all general accounting functions (GL, AR/AP, fixed assets, etc.), ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with GAAP.
• Lead the month-end close process and ensure timely preparation of financial statements.
• Coordinate year-end audits, tax filings, and external reporting requirements.

ERP & Systems Implementation:

• Drive automation of reporting and integration of manufacturing data with financial reporting tools.

Team Building & Leadership:

• Build and lead a high-performing finance and accounting team as operations scale.
• Foster a culture of transparency and continuous improvement across financial functions.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (Master's or MBA preferred).
• CPA or CMA certification strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing finance, ideally with exposure to electrical equipment, capital-intensive products, or transformer manufacturing.
• Experience in private equity or an investor-backed environment is strongly preferred.
• Experience in a startup environment is a strong plus.
• Deep knowledge of cost accounting, manufacturing performance metrics, and ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Strong Excel and financial modeling skills; experience with BI/reporting tools is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, analytical, and communication skills.

Additional Information:

• On-site position in Trotwood, OH.
• If selected for this role, a drug screen and background check will be conducted.