Controller at Upgrade Resources

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJob Title: ControllerLocation: Louisa, VA (On-site)Employment Type: Full-TimeSalary: $100,000 - $125,000 Annually (Based on experience)Company IntroductionThis opportunity is with a rapidly scaling engineering and manufacturing solutions provider specializing in sheet metal fabrication, welding, machining, coatings, and the design and build of turnkey mechanical systems. The company is known for its ability to deliver fully integrated, engineered solutionsincluding custom equipment design, full system production, and UL 508A industrial control panels and electrical assemblies.Serving critical industries such as defense, data infrastructure, industrial processing, and OEM manufacturing, the organization operates through five strategic verticals: Engineered Plant Equipment, OEM Equipment, Data Infrastructure, Defense & Secure Facility Components, and Contract Manufacturing. The company is highly regarded for its technical depth, collaborative engineering culture, and commitment to helping customers optimize and elevate their product designs.Built for individuals who excel in dynamic, innovation-driven environments, this organization empowers professionals to take ownership, drive continuous improvement, and play a meaningful role in shaping the future of engineered system solutions.Role OverviewThe Controller serves as a pivotal financial leader within a rapidly growing manufacturing organization, owning the company's accounting operations, cash management, and financial reporting. This role blends strategic oversight with hands-on execution leading a small team while remaining directly involved in closing the books, managing liquidity, and developing forecasts that guide key business decisions.The position oversees the integrity of the general ledger, month-end and year-end close, treasury and cash processes, cost and inventory accounting, and forward-looking FP&A. The Controller also drives monthly management and board reporting, transforming financial data into clear, actionable insights for executive stakeholders.This opportunity is ideal for a proactive, detail-driven finance leader who thrives in fast-paced, build-mode environments and wants full ownership of the finance function not just a narrow slice of a large corporate department. The Controller reports directly to the CEO and collaborates closely with Operations, Sales, and Human Resources to support growth, operational excellence, and long-term financial strategy.Core ResponsibilitiesOwn the general ledger and full month-end and year-end close, targeting a timely, accurate close.Prepare monthly financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) with clear variance analysis and commentary.Prepare month-end management and board reports using a consistent, decision-oriented format.Maintain a close checklist and reconciliation process for key accounts (cash, AR/AP, inventory/WIP, fixed assets, debt, and other major balances).Ensure accounting policies and procedures are documented, maintained, and consistently applied.Coordinate year-end adjustments and supporting schedules with external CPA and tax advisors.Own daily and weekly cash management, including monitoring balances, inflows, and outflows.Develop and maintain a rolling 13-week cash forecast tied to operations, capex, and debt service.Manage banking relationships, including covenant reporting, line-of-credit usage, and equipment financing.Oversee payment timing for vendors, payroll funding, tax payments, and capital expenditures to align with cash priorities.Provide clear, proactive visibility to the CEO on cash risk and upcoming obligations.Lead cost accounting, including job costing, WIP tracking, overhead application, and variance analysis.Work with Operations to ensure accurate capture of labor, material, and overhead in jobs and product lines.Oversee inventory valuation and controls (cycle counts, adjustments, and reconciliation between physical and system quantities).Support pricing, quoting, and make/buy decisions with accurate cost data and margin analysis.Lead development of the annual budget and periodic reforecasts (P&L and cash flow; balance sheet where appropriate).Build practical financial models to evaluate business scenarios, capital investments, and major customer/program opportunities.Develop monthly reporting and KPI packages for leadership, including revenue/margin trends, SG&A trends, and working capital metrics (DSO, DPO, inventory turns).Translate financial results into clear, actionable insights for non-finance leaders.Maintain practical internal controls across revenue, purchasing, payables, payroll, and inventory.Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and applicable state and federal regulations.Oversee or coordinate sales & use tax, property tax, payroll tax, 1099s, and other year-end reporting.Prepare and maintain schedules and documentation required for tax returns, insurance renewals, and lender reviews/covenant compliance.Serve as the finance owner of the accounting/ERP system (Apteans Made2Manage), ensuring accurate configuration and disciplined use.Maintain and improve key financial tools and spreadsheets where needed to supplement system reporting.Streamline and standardize financial processes to reduce manual effort, improve accuracy, and shorten cycle times.Support broader process improvements where financial accuracy and control are impacted (order-to-cash, procure-to-pay, inventory management).Lead and develop a small finance/office support team, including: directing the Accountant on close and reconciliations, overseeing two office support staff (AR/AP, invoicing, vendor onboarding, office duties), and setting expectations, coaching, and simple, repeatable standards.Establish simple financial rhythms (KPIs, monthly reviews, variance discussions) that make performance visible and drive accountability for cost, margin, and cash across the organization.Provide financial leadership to Operations, Sales, and HR, communicating clearly with non-financial leaders and supporting planning, hiring, and investment decisions.Model integrity, accountability, and a quality-first mindset consistent with the company's culture.Required BackgroundBachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or Senior Accountant role with ownership of close, or equivalent experience demonstrating full-close ownership, cash management, and team leadership.Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment with exposure to inventory, WIP, and cost accounting.Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and core accounting standards.Demonstrated experience with: month-end and year-end close, cash management and forecasting, preparing and reviewing financial statements and supporting schedulesPrior experience leading a small team (e.g., staff accountant, AP/AR, or office support) in a hands-on environment.Comfortable working in and improving ERP/accounting systems, plus strong Excel skills.Prior experience in a small to mid-sized, privately held company is preferred.CPA or equivalent credential is a plus, but not required.Compensation & PerksCompetitive salary commensurate with experience.Eligibility for a discretionary bonus based on company performance and individual contribution.Benefits package including health insurance and retirement plan participation.