Assistant Accounting Controller Jobs in Minnesota

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls. Graco is part of your daily life.
This role is currently based at our Minneapolis office and will transition to our new headquarters in Dayton, MN, in 2027.
Assistant Controller
The Assistant Controller leads Graco's global accounting, internal controls and financial reporting activities. This position is accountable for core accounting, external reporting, and consolidation-ensuring accurate, timely financial results and a strong control environment. The individual in this position partners across the Finance function to drive alignment and resolve complex accounting matters while establishing consistent accounting standards, scalable processes, and disciplined controls across Graco. Additionally, this position leads efforts to standardize accounting processes and improve data consistency, including chart of accounts alignment and accounting and financial reporting requirements within business-led ERP initiatives, while partnering with operations and supply chain to improve cost visibility and inventory accuracy.
What you will do at Graco
Financial Reporting & Close
• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Lead consolidation of financial results, including preparation of consolidated financial statements and disclosures
• Oversee external financial reporting, including SEC filings and regulatory requirements
• Lead technical accounting for complex transactions and ensure appropriate application of GAAP and disclosure requirements
• Manage accounting policies, including monitoring new pronouncements and implementing updates; communicate implications to the Audit Committee
• Ensure the integrity, consistency, and transparency of financial results across the organization
• Support preparation of financial materials for executive leadership and Board of Directors
• Communicate key accounting matters and implications to senior leadership
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve close efficiency, reporting quality, and process effectiveness
Controls, Compliance & Audit
• Establish and maintain a strong internal control environment
• Lead global SOX compliance efforts and ensure effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting
• Ensure compliance with financial, regulatory and audit requirements
• Lead internal and external audit activities, including coordination, execution and remediation efforts
• Partner with internal and external auditors to ensure timely and effective completion of audits
Cost Accounting & Inventory
• Provide oversight of cost accounting and ensure accurate inventory valuation and cost of goods sold to support reliable financial results and margin performance
• Partner with Operations & Supply Chain finance team to improve cost visibility and margin performance
• Ensure alignment between cost accounting, inventory valuation and external financial reporting
• Drive consistency in cost accounting practices across the organization to support accurate reporting and business decision-making
Accounting Operations & Process Improvement
• Scale and standardize accounting processes to support a consistent and efficient global operating model
• Drive simplification and automation of accounting processes
• Improve data integrity, documentation standards, and reporting consistency across the organization
• Strengthen accounting and control processes in partnership with finance and business teams to improve operational effectiveness
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, scalability, and quality of accounting operations
Accounting Transformation & Standards
• Support acquisition due diligence and lead accounting integration efforts, including purchase accounting and required financial reporting
• Lead standardization of global accounting processes, chart of accounts, and reporting structures to enable consistent financial reporting
• Ensure accounting requirements are proactively embedded in ERP and broader enterprise initiatives to maintain financial integrity and control
• Support design and implementation of future-state accounting processes aligned to system and data changes
• Improve data consistency, documentation standards, and reporting integrity across the organization
• Partner with Tax, Treasury, Legal, HR, and operations teams to align accounting and reporting requirements
Team Leadership and Financial Management
• Lead, mentor, manage and staff a team of Accounting & Reporting leaders, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and promoting a culture of leadership excellence.
• Develop and implement strategies for talent acquisition and management, succession planning, and leadership development to build a pipeline of future leaders.
• Drive team performance by setting clear goals, providing ongoing feedback, and facilitating professional growth opportunities.
• Establish, manage, and be accountable for the annual Accounting & Reporting budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and alignment with organizational strategic objectives.
What You Will Bring to Graco
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA preferred
• 12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant public accounting experience and leadership roles
• Experience in manufacturing environments, including cost accounting and inventory
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and external reporting requirements
• Deep expertise in Sarbanes-Oxley, COSO framework, and internal control design and execution
• Proven ability to build, scale, and standardize accounting processes in a global environment
• Ability to lead through change, including systems and process transformation
• Strong executive presence and decision-making in ambiguity
• Proven ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing teams • Experience interacting with Audit Committee or Board-level stakeholders
Accelerators
• Public Accounting experience
• Advanced degree (MBA or Master's) preferred
• Experience in mid-sized or growing manufacturing environments
• Experience in public company environments and SOX compliance
• Experience driving finance or accounting transformation initiatives
• ERP system experience (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar)
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This role is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., H-1B, TN, F-1 OPT).
At Graco, you truly make a difference. Your unique talents contribute to our organizational growth and future. Not only do you make a difference, but Graco's culture empowers employees to create their own career path. Whether you choose to advance within your current department or explore new opportunities in different divisions, you have the ability to build your future. Our managers are here to provide support and guidance as you continue to grow within your career.
Graco has excellent opportunities available to individuals who want to be part of a fast-moving, growing company that is committed to quality, innovation and solving fluid handling problems for our customers. Graco is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by Fortune Magazine in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022. Graco offers attractive compensation, benefits and career development opportunities. Graco's comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, stock purchase plan, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.
Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
The base pay range for this position is listed below, exclusive of fringe benefits or other compensation. If you are hired, your final base hourly rate will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, competencies, education, and/or experience. In addition to those factors, we will also consider internal equity of our current employees. Please keep in mind that the range provided is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at or near the maximum of the range would not be typical to allow for future and continued salary growth.
$160,200.00 - $280,400.00