Job description
Controller
Salary: $120,000–$130,000 + Annual Bonus Potential
Hybrid Schedule: 3 days onsite per week (office is near Brown Deer/Menomonee Falls)
*Note: Training will be 100% onsite for the first 60-90 days
For more than two centuries, PFERD TOOLS has combined deep expertise with a relentless drive for innovation—creating solutions that set new standards in performance, precision, and value. As we continue shaping the future of our Milwaukee operations, we are seeking a Controller who brings the same commitment to excellence. This is a key leadership position that ensures financial accuracy, operational insight, and strong partnership across the business.
Purpose of the Role
Reporting directly to the Director of Finance, the Controller plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of our financial reporting, cost accounting, and inventory management. This position does not have any direct reports and a CPA is not required. The ideal candidate for this role requires strong SAP mastery, advanced analytical skills, and the ability to translate data into strategic recommendations that support our operations, leadership, and global partners.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Support monthly and annual financial close in collaboration with Finance, Operations, and Executive Leadership.
- Prepare and analyze financial statements, production P&Ls, and cost reports.
- Conduct customer margin reviews and deliver pricing insights to Sales and Product Development.
- Manage ROI analysis for CAPEX investments and maintain Fixed Asset Roll Forward schedules.
Cost Accounting & Budgeting
- Calculate and evaluate production and cost variances, delivering clear guidance for decision-making.
- Lead standard costing processes and ensure accurate cost allocations.
- Support annual budgeting, cost center analysis, and standard cost modeling.
- Oversee Excess & Obsolete inventory reserves and provide recommendations to improve inventory performance.
Operational Excellence & Internal Controls
- Lead cost accounting entries and overhead allocation practices.
- Coordinate annual physical inventory counts and reconcile discrepancies.
- Review daily production and price variances to highlight trends and opportunities.
- Prepare audit documentation and liaise with external auditors as needed.
Process Improvement & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with our Parent Company in Germany on global financial initiatives.
- Identify and recommend process improvements that strengthen reporting accuracy and efficiency.
- Collaborate closely with Sales, Operations, and Product Development to drive financial accountability.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in a Controller or similar role; manufacturing industry experience highly preferred.
- Mandatory SAP experience.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel capabilities (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, modeling, visualization).
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications.
- Strong knowledge of US GAAP, cost accounting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
- Exceptional analytical abilities, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to partner at all organizational levels.
- Ability to travel internationally for training and collaboration.
If you’re energized by precision, driven by innovation, and inspired by the opportunity to contribute to a company with a rich heritage and a modern, global vision, we invite you to apply.
We Make it Easy
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