Description:
The purpose of the Director of Finance & Controller is to provide financial leadership that bridges day-to-day operational execution with long-term strategic growth. This role exists to ensure the absolute financial integrity and compliance of our manufacturing operations, while proactively equipping the executive team with financial visibility, capital strategies, and data-driven insights necessary to maximize profitability and market expansion in the animal health sector.
The Director of Finance & Controller is a critical "player-coach" role serving as the financial right hand to the CEO. This position requires a unique balance of historical accuracy and forward-looking strategy. You will act as the chief architect of our internal controls and cost accounting, while simultaneously serving as the strategic navigator for our growth. You will lead a lean, highly effective finance team. During the month-end close, you are in the trenches ensuring flawless inventory costing and compliance. For the remainder of the month, you are analyzing margins, managing cash flow, and providing actionable business intelligence to the leadership team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Accuracy, Controls & Operations:
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Month-End Close: Own the financial close process, producing timely and accurate financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) in compliance with GAAP.
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Cost Accounting & Inventory: Oversee standard costing for manufacturing. Analyze raw ingredient costs, manufacturing variances, and ensure strict inventory controls are maintained.
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Internal Controls: Maintain and enforce a strict segregation of duties across AP, AR, and general ledger functions to safeguard company assets.
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Treasury & Cash Management: Oversee daily cash position, bank reconciliations, and manage credit lines.
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Audit & Compliance: Serve as the primary liaison for external CPA firms for annual tax filings, audits, and corporate compliance.
FP&A & Strategic Leadership:
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Strategic Planning: Lead the annual budgeting cycle, quarterly re-forecasting, and maintain a rolling cash flow model.
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Business Intelligence: Translate raw financial data into operational narratives. Identify trends in gross margins, customer acquisition costs, and supply chain efficiencies.
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Capital Allocation: Partner with the CEO to evaluate the ROI of potential capital expenditures, territory expansions, or new product line launches.
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Team Leadership: Mentor and develop the finance team ensuring smooth daily transaction processing (Positive Pay, Lockbox management).
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Operational Partnership: Work closely with the manufacturing and sales leaders to ensure the financial strategy aligns with operational realities.
Other Duties:
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Included are other duties customary to this position in similar industries and to perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The Director operates across multi-site environments located in Orange City, IA, and Schoolcraft, Mi. This position interacts with other corporate locations in Latin America, Europe and Asia. Other locations may be added as the business grows. Work is performed in temperature-controlled environments, as well as an active manufacturing environment; it may require field visits in outside non-temperature-controlled environments. The position may occasionally require navigating and inspecting a manufacturing floor environment, which may require walking, standing, and observing operational workflows with occasional exposure to equipment noise, and occasionally fumes, dust, and/or other airborne particles depending on the specific location of work. The company will provide appropriate PPE which the individual must wear properly.
TRAVEL:
Moderate travel (10% to 25%) domestic and international.
BENEFITS:
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401(k) with employer match
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Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
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Paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays
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Certification reimbursement and professional development support
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High-impact work in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment
Requirements:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
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Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting and finance experience required. Ten+ years of experience preferred.
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Industry Expertise: Minimum of 3 years in a manufacturing, distribution, or inventory-heavy environment required. Direct experience with cost accounting is highly preferred.
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Education: Bachelor’s degree in related field or combination with advanced degree (MBA, DBA). CPA or CMA designation or ability to obtain certification in these areas is strongly preferred
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Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in modern ERP systems, and financial modeling software. Experienced in ERP conversion and maintenance strongly desired.
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Leadership Style: A hands-on leader who does not consider themselves "above" the daily details but possesses the executive presence to present to the board and negotiate with banking partners.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
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Financial Acumen: Deep understanding of US GAAP, cost accounting, and financial modeling principles.
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Analytical Thinking: Ability to synthesize complex financial datasets into clear, actionable executive summaries and operational insights.
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Systems Proficiency: Strong capability to navigate and optimize ERP systems, coupled with advanced financial modeling software.
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Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively across manufacturing, sales, and executive departments.
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Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to manage, train, and develop a lean finance team while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
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Strategic Problem Solving: High degree of initiative and proactive thinking to identify cost-saving opportunities and streamline financial operations.
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Bilingual: English (required) / French, Spanish or Portuguese (Desired).
