Controller

Location: Hackensack, MN

About the role

We are looking for a hands-on finance leader who can run the accounting function day to day and help the CFO drive better decisions. You will modernize processes, sharpen cost and margin visibility across products and channels, and manage working capital through a strong spring selling season. The right person is equally comfortable closing the books and presenting to leadership.

Key responsibilities

Accounting and close

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close; target a close within 7 business days.
• Maintain the general ledger, chart of accounts, account reconciliations, and journal entry review.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit and collections, payroll processed through ADP, and fixed assets.
• Ensure GAAP compliance, including revenue recognition, inventory valuation, and lease accounting.

Financial reporting and analysis

• Prepare monthly financial statements and a management reporting package with KPIs and variance commentary.
• Report gross margin by product line, channel (direct, e-commerce, dealer), and location.
• Prepare lender reporting and bank covenant compliance calculations.
• Partner with the CFO on board and ownership reporting.

Cost accounting and inventory

• Own standard costing, bills of materials costing, and overhead absorption for manufactured products.
• Analyze purchase price, labor, and overhead variances and explain them to operations.
• Lead cycle count and physical inventory programs across all warehouses; manage reserves for slow-moving and obsolete stock.
• Support pricing, make-vs-buy, and SKU rationalization decisions with cost data.

Budgeting, forecasting, and cash

• Lead the annual budget process with department and site leaders.
• Maintain a rolling forecast and a 13-week cash flow forecast, with attention to seasonal inventory builds.
• Monitor working capital: inventory turns, DSO, DPO, and line-of-credit availability.

Controls, audit, and tax

• Design and maintain internal controls, approval policies, and segregation of duties.
• Manage the annual external audit or review and coordinate with outside tax advisors.
• Oversee sales and use tax compliance across states, including e-commerce nexus, and property tax filings.

Systems and process improvement

• Serve as the finance owner of NetSuite; lead enhancements, integrations, saved searches, dashboards, and workflow automation.
• Standardize processes across sites and reduce manual spreadsheet work.
• Oversee the ADP-to-NetSuite payroll integration, payroll journal entries, and payroll controls in partnership with HR.

Leadership

• Hire, develop, and lead the accounting team; set clear goals and hold regular one-on-ones.
• Act as a business partner to operations, sales, purchasing, and HR.
• Step in for the CFO when needed and take on special projects, including acquisitions and integrations.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 4+ years as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or similar leader.
• Manufacturing and/or distribution experience, with hands-on standard costing and multi-location inventory accounting.
• Strong command of GAAP, month-end close, and financial statement preparation.
• Experience managing an external audit and working with lenders on covenant reporting.
• Track record of building and leading an accounting team of 5 or more.
• Advanced Excel skills and hands-on experience with NetSuite or a comparable mid-market ERP, including financial reporting and inventory or manufacturing modules.

Preferred

• CPA (active or inactive); public accounting experience is a plus.
• Experience at a company of $75–250 million in revenue, ideally private equity- or family-owned.
• Background in a seasonal business, e-commerce, or multi-channel sales (direct, online, dealer).
• Experience with multi-state sales tax compliance.
• Exposure to acquisitions, integrations, or ERP implementations.
• NetSuite administration, optimization, or implementation experience.
• Experience with ADP payroll and its integration with the general ledger. 

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental,
• Vision 
• Short term disability
• HSA (health saving account) with company contribution 
• Company paid Life Insurance & Long-term disability insurance
• 401k with company match
• Paid time off  
• Paid holidays

Company Overview:

Mann Lake Ltd. is a manufacturer, distributor and retailer of high-quality, affordable beekeeping and poultry products in the hobby and commercial segments in the agriculture industry. Represented by our two category-leading brands, Mann Lake Bee Supply and Stromberg’s Chickens and Gamebirds, our mission is to provide the knowledge, service and product solutions to make our customers successful in beekeeping and poultry rearing. As leaders, we take our role in the global food supply chain seriously and work hard to provide innovative products and solutions to hobbyists and businesses across the world. Mann Lake Ltd has a proud history and is represented by great teams working across the USA. Discover a rewarding career at Mann Lake Ltd, where your skills contribute to the success of the global beekeeping and poultry communities.

NOTE: Mann Lake LTD is an equal opportunity employer and does not engage in employment discrimination based on race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status or any other legally protected classification or status.