Corporate Controller – Kansas City, MO Area
Are you a proven finance leader ready to shape the future of an evolving organization? This Controller opportunity is ideal for someone who wants to step into a high-impact leadership role and make their mark on a growing business with a legacy of success and a future full of opportunity.
Our client is an established company backed by private equity and focused on performance, growth, and accountability. This is a rare opportunity to blend stability with transformation—and to work alongside a CFO who values transparency, results, and strategic partnership.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This is more than a traditional Controller role—it’s a high-visibility leadership position where you’ll be empowered to shape financial strategy, elevate operational performance, and influence decision-making at the highest levels.
- Step into a trusted advisory role with the CFO and executive team
- Use financial insights to drive smarter decisions on pricing, cost controls, and process improvements
- Be a proactive force—identifying trends, risks, and opportunities before they emerge
- Help bridge the gap between finance and operations by aligning metrics with real-world performance
- Build deep cross-functional relationships and become the go-to partner for solving broader business issues
- Join an organization that values initiative, continuous improvement, and strategic thinking
- Lead with credibility, clarity, and accountability—earning influence through results
- Support from private equity ownership with executive coaching and long-term transformation underway
- Competitive salary, bonus opportunity
- Comprehensive benefits, 401(k) match, and generous PTO
- Long-term flexibility and hybrid work potential once performance and trust are established
What You’ll Do
- Take full ownership of daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial cycles
- Ensure the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of financial reporting and statements
- Assess the current accounting team—understand individual strengths, gaps, and workloads; begin building trust and clarity around expectations
- Document accounting processes and identify areas for cross-training or upskilling
- Conduct a process audit to evaluate workflows, reconciliation schedules, checklists, and system limitations
- Identify and address immediate risks or inefficiencies in financial operations
- Execute 1–2 “quick wins” early on to demonstrate value—such as resolving recurring issues or automating manual reports
- Spend time understanding how inventory, warehousing, sales, and operations impact financial reporting
- Build strong relationships across departments and become a trusted resource for cross-functional issues
- Establish a consistent rhythm for updates and check-ins with leadership; communicate early and clearly about challenges, priorities, and progress
- Lead, mentor, and, if necessary, restructure an experienced accounting team to align with company goals
- Support current ERP system and support future upgrades
- Partner with the CFO and executive team on strategic initiatives, budgeting, and long-term planning
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational alignment
- Occasional travel for meetings and training
Qualifications and Experience You Bring
- CPA or CMA required
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (Master’s a plus)
- 10+ years of progressive accounting experience
- At least 3 years in a controllership or similar leadership role
- 3–5 years in public accounting (preferably audit)
- Background in manufacturing or distribution preferred
- Private equity experience is a strong plus
- Demonstrated ability to lead with clarity, accountability, and initiative
- Strong interpersonal skills—able to influence, read the room, and adapt when needed
- Track record of owning financials end-to-end, with a “no excuses” mindset
- Skilled in process re-engineering, system implementation, and continuous improvement
- Communicates effectively across executive, operational, and accounting stakeholders
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
For more information on this opportunity, please call Greg Baugh at 913-948-9791 or email gbaugh@gsbsearch.com
