Controller

Job Details Job Location: Corporate Office – Homewood, IL Position Type: Full Time Education Level: 4 Year Degree Salary Range $160,000.00 – $175,000.00 Salary/year Job Shift 1st Job Category Finance & Accounting Description About Us: Carl Buddig and Company, a respected name in the meat manufacturing industry, boasts a legacy of over 80 years. Founded as a family-owned company, we have evolved into a leading producer of premium meat products, including renowned lunchmeats, ready-to-eat cooked meats under our Kingsford, LLC division, and savory snack meats from Old Wisconsin. As a third-generation family business, our success is anchored in our commitment to quality, innovation, and community. With a workforce of 2,500 dedicated team members spread across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, we continue to expand, driven by a vision for excellence and a responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences. At Carl Buddig and Company, we foster a culture centered around teamwork and innovation. We strive to create an environment that values creativity and collaboration, ensuring every team member is empowered to contribute to our collective goals. Our dedication extends beyond our business operations. We actively support charitable initiatives and community organizations through direct contributions, volunteer work, and partnerships. We aim to make a positive impact and give back to the communities that have supported us over the years. Join us at Carl Buddig and Company, where tradition meets innovation, and where our passion for quality meat products is matched by our commitment to our people and communities. Position Summary: This highly visible position will be responsible for operational accounting for two Food Manufacturing sites and lead back-office accounts payable, accounts receivable operations, and staff accounting. This key role offers the opportunity to impact and provide leadership with business partners at all levels. Responsibilities include developing, implementing, and maintaining systems of information, processes, and controls to manage operational transactions\’ financial impact, with a focus on systems, cost, and inventory control. The controller will be a key leader reporting directly to the Director of Finance and Accounting. Responsibilities: Controls and Analysis: Proficient in the application of US GAAP. Maintain inventory integrity through controls, overseeing counts, and developing processes for accuracy. Understand manufacturing layouts, processes, systems, and standards to identify cost inconsistencies and inefficiencies, providing data-driven advice to leadership. Assess current accounting operations and leverage technology for process improvements. Act as the primary contact with external auditors and coordinate year-end audits. Analyze and report operational financial results to management. Responsible for cost analysis and reporting, including variance analysis and profitability insights. Develop and monitor operational performance metrics. Budgeting and Forecasting: Support FP&A in budgets, forecasts, and cost analysis, understanding purchasing impacts. Play a leadership role on two Business Unit management teams. Manage other projects as needed. Process Improvement: Continuously assess and improve processes, including automation opportunities. Lead projects to improve Standard Costing efficiencies. Leadership, Collaboration & Training: Provide leadership, development, and training to staff and peers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet data requirements. Train users on data standards and best practices. Qualifications Bachelor\’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field; CPA a plus. 7+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, including Cost or Inventory Accounting, preferably in Consumer Packaged Goods. Strong financial modeling skills using Excel. Ability to simplify complex financial data for decision-making. Collaborative attitude with cross-organizational partnership skills. Experience with ERP systems; familiarity with Microsoft D365 is a plus. Experience with multiple databases and data integration. Strong problem-solving and communication skills. Working Conditions Long periods of sitting and working on a computer. Occasional plant visits where noise and particulates may be present. On-site position with occasional travel. Pay range: $160,000 to $175,000 depending on experience. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, FSA, HSA, 401(k) with Match, Vacation, PTO, Tuition Reimbursement, and potential discretionary bonus based on performance. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. Discrimination against employees or applicants based on pay inquiries is prohibited, with exceptions as per legal requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr