Senior Accountant/Assistant Controller Job Description

Location: Blacksburg, Virginia

Department: Finance

Reports To: Controller / Plant Finance Manager

Position Summary

The Senior Accountant is responsible for supporting the financial operations of a fast-paced manufacturing facility through accurate financial reporting, general ledger management, account reconciliations, cost analysis, and internal control compliance. This role partners closely with operations, supply chain, HR, and leadership teams to ensure financial accuracy, drive process improvements, and support strategic decision-making within the plant environment.

The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable working in a manufacturing setting with multiple priorities and tight deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & General Ledger

• Prepare and maintain monthly journal entries and account reconciliations
• Support month-end and year-end close processes
• Analyze financial statements and investigate variances
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of general ledger transactions
• Assist with preparation of financial reporting packages and plant performance metrics

Manufacturing & Cost Accounting Support

• Assist with inventory accounting and cycle count reconciliation
• Support standard costing, labor analysis, and overhead reporting
• Analyze manufacturing variances and operational spending trends
• Partner with operations leadership to improve financial visibility and cost control
• Support capital expenditure tracking and fixed asset accounting

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with company accounting policies and SOX/internal control requirements
• Assist with audit preparation and documentation requests
• Support payroll and AP/AR review activities as needed
• Monitor financial processes and identify opportunities for improvement

Business Partnership

• Collaborate with department leaders on budgeting and forecasting activities
• Provide financial analysis to support operational decision-making
• Assist with workforce planning, overtime analysis, and labor reporting
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives across the facility

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• CPA or CMA preferred

Experience

• 5+ years of accounting experience required
• Manufacturing accounting experience strongly preferred
• Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools
• Strong understanding of GAAP and internal controls

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced Excel skills required
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in automotive or industrial manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of standard costing and inventory accounting
• Experience supporting audits and compliance initiatives
• Prior experience in a plant-based finance role

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Primarily office-based role requiring prolonged periods of sitting and computer work
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the manufacturing facility
• May be required to access production floor areas to support operational and inventory activities
• Must be able to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes, and other required safety equipment while on the production floor
• Ability to communicate effectively in both office and manufacturing environments
• Occasional lifting of files, office materials, or equipment up to 15 pounds may be required

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to partner directly with plant leadership
• High visibility role with operational impact
• Collaborative manufacturing environment
• Career growth and development opportunities
• Competitive compensation and benefits package