Title: Assistant Controller

Location: Whitehall, MI

Duration: Full-time

Compensation: $105,000–$115,000 base *Salary is determined based on various factors including experience, education, and certifications.

Work Requirements: U.S. Citizens, Green Card holders, or otherwise authorized to work in the U.S.

Summary

We’re seeking a hands-on Assistant Controller to join a manufacturing plant and serve as a key partner to the Plant Controller. This role is designed for a motivated financial professional, ideally a strong Senior Financial Analyst or Accounting Lead, ready to step into leadership and grow into a future Controller position. This facility is one of the company’s largest manufacturing operations, encompassing 10 plants and over 2,400 employees. It offers extensive visibility, exposure to senior leadership, and the opportunity to make a measurable impact across multiple business units.

Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the Controller to oversee accounting operations and ensure accurate, timely financial reporting.
• Support month-end close, journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Prepare and review plant-level financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Manage P&L, cost accounting, and raw materials tracking to ensure integrity of financial data.
• Lead financial analysis supporting operational performance, productivity, and inventory optimization.
• Assist in forecasting, budgeting, and annual planning processes.
• Help coordinate capital appropriation requests, depreciation schedules, and post-project reviews.
• Support internal controls and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance requirements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, and engineering to drive business improvement.
• Provide mentorship and development support to junior accounting and finance staff.

Key Competencies

• Analytical & Data-Driven: Translates financial results into actionable business insights.
• Operationally Curious: Understands plant operations and engages with production teams regularly.
• Compliance-Minded: Ensures adherence to GAAP, SOX, and corporate financial policies.
• Business Partner: Acts as a proactive advisor to operational leaders.
• Growth-Oriented: Demonstrates initiative, ownership, and readiness to step into a Controller capacity.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive financial experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, cost accounting, P&L management, and month-end close.
• Proven ability to analyze financial data and develop insights that support operations.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and strong ERP system experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. (no sponsorship).

Preferred:

• MBA, CPA, or CMA.
• Experience mentoring or supervising accounting staff.
• Exposure to raw materials or inventory accounting.
• PowerPoint and database querying skills.

Why Join

• Designed as a development role with a clear path to Plant Controller.
• Exposure to large-scale, multi-plant operations with over 2,400 employees.
• Competitive base pay, bonus, and sign-on incentive.
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and more.
• Collaborative, growth-focused culture with strong leadership support.

EEO Statement

Summa Staffing Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.