Lean Manufacturing Controller/ Finance Leader

<p><strong>Build More Than Financial Reports. Build the Future.</strong></p><p><br></p><p>Our client is a growing, American-made manufacturing company known for producing seriously durable industrial workspace solutions that stand the test of time. With decades of steady growth, a strong culture, and a commitment to continuous improvement, they are looking for a hands-on Controller who can lead both people and process transformation.</p><p><br></p><p>This is not a traditional “keep the books” Controller role.<strong> This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who thrives in manufacturing environments, embraces Lean thinking, and wants to modernize accounting operations through automation, process improvement, and operational partnership.</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Highlighted Duties:</strong></p><ul><li>Lead and develop the accounting & finance team while driving accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.</li><li>Own month-end close, financial reporting, GAAP compliance, internal controls, and overall financial accuracy.</li><li>Champion Lean Accounting initiatives and help transition the organization toward value stream costing and simplified financial reporting.</li><li>Identify waste, inefficiencies, and bottlenecks across accounting processes and implement automation, AI tools, and system improvements.</li><li>Partner closely with operations, manufacturing, and supply chain leadership to improve inventory accuracy, BOM integrity, production reporting, and financial visibility.</li><li>Optimize ERP processes and reporting within Dynamics GP or similar systems.</li><li>Deliver meaningful financial insights that support operational decision-making and company growth.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Highlighted Requirements:</strong></p><ul><li>Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance;</li><li>CPA or CMA preferred.</li><li>8+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience within manufacturing.</li><li>Strong background in Lean, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or Lean Accounting initiatives.</li><li>Expertise in inventory, cost accounting, ERP systems, and GAAP compliance.</li><li>Proven leadership ability with experience mentoring and developing teams.</li><li>Advanced Excel and strong systems/analytics mindset; Power BI or automation tools highly preferred.</li><li>Self-starter mentality with the ability to lead change in a fast-paced environment.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Why This Opportunity Stands Out</strong></p><ul><li>High-visibility role reporting directly to an experienced VP of Finance.</li><li>Opportunity to shape and modernize the accounting function.</li><li>Collaborative leadership team committed to investing in improvement and growth.</li><li>Strong company culture focused on teamwork, stability, and long-term success.</li><li>Competitive compensation, bonus potential, strong benefits, 401(k), PTO, and career growth opportunities.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>If you are a manufacturing finance leader who combines strong accounting expertise with a passion for Lean transformation and operational excellence, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact. This information is a brief job summary for recruiting purposes only and does not constitute the entire job description, duties, or requirements.</p><p><br></p><p>Talis Group is an equal opportunity employer. All registrants are considered based upon their skills, performance, potential, and other qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law</p>

Back to blog

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...