Assistant Controller - Maple Grove, MN

FLSA Status: Exempt · Company: Pallet Service Corporation (PSC) · Location: Hybrid (combines working from a traditional office location with working remotely) · Reporting To: Vice President of Finance · Internal Relationships: Finance Staff, Production Leader, Sales Leaders, Sale ...

Job description

FLSA Status: Exempt

Company: Pallet Service Corporation (PSC)

Location: Hybrid (combines working from a traditional office location with working remotely)

Reporting To: Vice President of Finance

Internal Relationships: Finance Staff, Production Leader, Sales Leaders, Sales Team Members and Logistics.

Company Overview

For over 50 years, Pallet Service Corporation (PSC) has been a full-service, family-owned industrial wood products supplier. We specialize in new, recycled, and re-manufactured pallets, as well as custom crating and lumber solutions. With manufacturing facilities in Maple Grove and Little Canada, Minnesota, and Marshfield Knapp, Wisconsin, PSC provides tailored pallet and wood packaging solutions to meet local, regional, national, and international customer needs.

Our Core Values

• Balanced – We define success as a healthy mix of Faith, Family, and Work.
• Innovative – We continuously seek improvement.
• Respectful – We treat others how we want to be treated.
• Committed – We earn trust by striving to deliver on promises made.
• Humble – We care more about what is right than who is right.

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Finance, the Assistant Controller will play a hands-on role in managing day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance. This role supports a lean finance team and requires collaboration across manufacturing sites, sales offices, and shared IT resources. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and experienced in manufacturing environments, with a focus on cost accounting, inventory management, process improvement, and reporting.

This is a very hands-on role that requires spending time in factories, working closely with production leaders, and actively participating in business process improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting & Close Activities

• Lead and oversee month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and management reports in compliance with GAAP.
• Oversee general ledger maintenance, supervise accounts payable/receivable processes (as needed), and coordinate payroll processing.
• Assist with internal and external audits, ensuring strong internal controls and regulatory compliance.

Cost Accounting & Inventory Management

• Manage cost accounting functions, including standard costs, bill of materials (BOM), inventory valuation, production variances, and physical inventory counts.
• Collaborate with operations teams on cost reduction initiatives, procurement, and inventory management.
• Spend time in factories to understand production processes and gather accurate cost and operational data.

Process Improvement & Reporting

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls in financial reporting.
• Develop, maintain, and streamline financial reports, dashboards, and KPIs to support management decision-making.
• Research accounting topics and propose updated guidance to ensure compliance and best practices.
• Support EOS Traction processes, including scorecard reviews, tracking quarterly Rocks (90-day goals), and participation in Level 10 Meetings.

Operational Learning & Collaboration

• Participate in the physical inventory process to ensure accuracy.
• Work closely with production leaders to understand the lumber and pallet production business, including manufacturing methods, material usage, and operational constraints.
• Learn how taxes, surcharges, and other charges are applied and reported in customer invoices.
• Assist operations in translating production and sales data into accurate financial reporting.
• Actively participate in peer groups to stay informed about trends affecting the business and identify opportunities for innovation.
• Bring forward new ideas, solutions, and innovations to apply directly to business operations.

Compliance & Regulatory Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with bank, tax, and regulatory requirements.
• Support and maintain strong internal controls across accounting and financial processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or CMA certification highly preferred.
• Experience with ADP WorkforceNow payroll plataform a plus
• Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory controls, and manufacturing financial reporting.
• Experience with EOS Traction or similar operating systems is a plus.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, ERP systems like Epicor, PowerBI) and advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, multi-location setting.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proven track record of team collaboration, process improvement, and innovation.
• Willingness to spend significant time on factory floors to gain operational insight and work closely with production teams.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing computer-based tasks.
• Occasionally lift or move items up to 25 pounds (e.g., files, documents, or office equipment).
• Ability to navigate multiple manufacturing and office sites, including walking on uneven surfaces or stairs.
• Requires good vision, hearing, and dexterity for office and manufacturing interactions.

Working Environment

• Fast-paced, detail-oriented finance environment supporting strategic business initiatives.
• Frequent interaction with factory personnel and production leaders on-site.
• Active participation in peer groups and business innovation initiatives.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $ $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Profit sharing
• Referral program
• Travel reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• Work from home

Physical Setting:

• Office

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• QuickBooks: 4 years (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person