Controller in Elkhorn, Wisconsin at READER PRECISION SOLUTIONS

The Controller is a hands-on financial leader responsible for building, managing, and continuously improving Reader Precision Solutions’ accounting and operational finance functions. This role emphasizes execution, discipline, a sense of urgency and team development to ensure financial information is accurate, timely, and actionable.

The Controller will be directly involved in day-to-day financial operations while driving improvements in systems, processes, and performance visibility. Success will require direct ownership, active problem-solving, and consistent engagement in accounting activities.

This individual will play a critical role in transforming a fragmented finance function into a structured, reliable, and scalable operation, while developing a high-performing finance team.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Financial Execution & Close Process

• Own and execute all accounting operations, including:
  • General ledger
  • Accounts payable
  • Accounts receivable
• Lead and improve month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes
• Ensure all financial data is:
  • Accurate
  • Fully reconciled
  • Delivered on time
• Develop and standardize reporting packages that provide clear, actionable insights
• Maintain GAAP compliance and strong internal controls
• Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, and financial institutions

Costing, Profitability & Operational Finance

• Own and continuously improve job costing systems, including:
  • Labor tracking
  • Burden allocation
  • Overhead structure
• Ensure accurate and consistent cost data across all work centers
• Provide visibility into:
  • Product margins
  • Customer profitability
  • Operational performance
• Partner with Operations and Engineering to:
  • Identify cost drivers
  • Improve efficiency
  • Support data-driven decisions
• Translate financial data into clear, practical recommendations that drive business performance

Cross-Functional Business Partnership

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Leadership teams
• Provide financial insight to support decision-making
• Reinforce financial discipline across departments
• Help translate financial information into practical, operational understanding

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning

• Design and implement a structured annual budgeting process
• Establish clear ownership and accountability for departmental inputs
• Develop and maintain rolling forecasts tied to business drivers
• Analyze and explain variances between budget, forecast, and actual performance
• Challenge assumptions and improve forecast accuracy over time
• Drive adoption of financial planning as a core management discipline

Systems & Process Improvement

• Build and implement scalable, repeatable accounting processes
• Eliminate reliance on tribal knowledge through documentation and standardization
• Improve ERP systems, reporting tools, and financial workflows
• Identify and implement automation opportunities
• Strengthen internal controls and ensure consistency across all financial processes

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, manage, and develop the accounting/finance team
• Define clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations
• Provide daily coaching, guidance, and feedback to team members
• Establish:
  • Structured workflows
  • Clear accountability
  • Consistent follow-through
• Foster a culture of:
  • Ownership
  • Accountability
  • Continuous improvement

Metrics & Accountability

Execution

• Month-end close timeline and accuracy
• Financial reporting reliability
• Process consistency and adherence

Operational Finance

• Accuracy of job costing systems
• Visibility into margins and cost drivers
• Quality of financial insights provided to operations

Team Development

• Improvement in team accuracy and accountability
• Reduction in errors and rework
• Development progression of team members
• Successful onboarding and transition of new hires

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or CMA preferred)
• 7–10 years of progressive accounting/finance experience in manufacturing
• Strong background in:
  • Cost accounting
  • Job costing
  • Financial reporting
  • Operational financial analysis
• Proven ability to:
  • Build and improve financial processes
  • Lead and develop a team
  • Drive accountability and execution
• Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• High attention to detail with strong ownership mindset

Work Schedule

Physical/Environmental Demands

The following outlines the conditions required to perform this role’s essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be provided:

• Primarily office-based with regular interaction across departments
• Frequent use of financial systems and standard office equipment
• Occasional presence on the manufacturing floor
• Ability to manage deadlines, interruptions, and shifting priorities

Benefits & perks of joining the Reader Precision Solutions team include:

RPS team members enjoy a challenging & fast-paced work environment in a high-tech manufacturing facility named the 35th & 37th Annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year. Our work environment is extremely clean, well lit, organized (5S), & climate-controlled. In addition, our team thrives in a supportive culture that provides engaged leadership, ongoing recognition for performance results, & a great benefits package.

• Competitive wages (paid weekly on Thursday's)
• 8% of base pay shift differential (2nd & 3rd shift)
• Benefits begin the month following 30 days of employment: health insurance with points based, holistic wellness program, dental, life, & disability insurance
• Partnership with a near site local clinic for FREE health services including primary & preventative care, walk in visits, labs, prescriptions, etc.
• FREE vision insurance!
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with up to 4.5% company match (immediately vested!)
• Vacation accrual starts upon hire - accrue up to 2.5 weeks in first year!
• 9 paid holidays with up to two discretionary holidays each year
• Education assistance up to $5,250 annually (after 12 months of service)
• Professional development opportunities – internal & external (cross-departmental training, PMPA conferences, IMTS-Chicago, local technical colleges/universities, & more…)
• Career advancement – ongoing training & mentoring with opportunity to grow your skills
• Performance bonus – potential to receive a discretionary year-end bonus based on individual and group performance
• Company paid Short-Term Disability policy
• Company events – team lunches, summer picnic event, holiday party
• Company zoo pass to Milwaukee County Zoo
• Voluntary pet insurance
• Holistic wellness program – earn up to $700 in incentives through points accumulation for accomplishing a variety of wellness activities. Also offered by the Company are employer paid onsite flu shots, biometric screenings, free health coaching & MUCH more!
• Employer paid life insurance – $50,000 policy with options for voluntary life up to $400,000 benefit maximum
• Financial planning resources & onsite financial wellness workshops
• Employer subsidized work shoes & safety glasses program
• Reader Precision Solutions branded attire – $100 annual allowance
• Employee Referral bonus – $1,000
• Satisfying work…leaving work at the end of the day knowing that the GREAT work you do is meaningful and appreciated by the Company, our clients, and end users who benefit from the high-quality components we manufacture for them!

Reader Precision Solutions Four Pillars: Innovation, Empowerment, Integrity & Respect

• Innovation – we apply creative solutions to exceed expectations internally and externally. We deliver creative solutions by pursuing continuous improvement, challenging the limits of conventional thinking to drive positive change, and engaging our clients to achieve synergy.
• Empowerment – we equip our employees to succeed. We nurture success by setting realistic goals and standards; with accountability and regular performance feedback, providing training opportunities for growth and learning and offering employees a safe and modern work environment.
• Integrity – our reputation is everything. We preserve and enhance our reputation by operating with the highest ethical standards, focusing on client needs, and contributing positively to our community and environment.
• Respect – we act with honor in all our interactions. In our interactions, we accept and value individual differences, work together with a positive attitude and promote open and honest communication in a team-based environment.