Assistant Finance Controller Jobs in Rutherford, NJ

Description

About Us:

At Hartz, our passion for pets inspires everything we do. For over 100 years, we've been a trusted name in pet care-creating innovative products that strengthen the bond between pets and the people who love them.

As industry leaders, we're constantly pushing what's possible to help pets live happier, healthier, and longer lives. Our diverse, talented team fuels this mission, bringing fresh ideas and genuine dedication to every project.

We're committed to an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can thrive-whether you're collaborating onsite or working in a hybrid environment. At Hartz, your contributions matter, and the impact you make extends far beyond our walls.

Join us and help shape the future of pet care-driving bold ideas and meaningful change for pets and the people who love them.

What We Offer ...

• Hybrid Work Schedule: Enjoy flexibility with 3 days in-office and 2 days remote.
• Pet-Friendly Culture: Bring your pet to work and enjoy a casual, inclusive environment.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Receive a generous 401(k) match with immediate vesting.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Enjoy up to 34 paid days off annually. 
• Paid Leaves: Parental leave, Bereavement leave, and Military leave.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Healthcare FSA, and Mental Health EAP, basic Life insurance and Disability Insurance.
• Tuition Reimbursement & Career Growth: Access to tuition reimbursement and other learning and development opportunities.
• Employee Perks: Volunteer opportunities, fun employee events, and more!

The Role ...

We're seeking a highly capable Assistant Controller with a comprehensive accounting background to join our Finance team. This is a key role for a professional who brings both technical depth and a high level of operational expertise to our accounting, financial reporting, and compliance functions. As a direct partner to the Controller, you will provide the high-level oversight necessary to manage complex financial processes and support our corporate goals.

A strong background in manufacturing accounting is essential for success in this role. You will take the lead on critical processes like month-end close, cost accounting, inventory control, and financial analysis, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and alignment with IFRS standards. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a real impact by managing people, processes and systems while improving, automating, and streamlining procedures across the finance function.

If you thrive in a dynamic environment and excel at turning financial data into strategic insights, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact.

This position is located at our Secaucus, NJ corporate headquarters, and has the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule.  

Your Responsibilities ...

Financial Reporting & Close

• Manage the monthly close process, including manufacturing close process and ensuring all costs incurred are properly recorded.
• Prepare and/or review account reconciliations, manufacturing and supply chain variance analysis.
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance, analyze variances, and support corrective action planning.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting in compliance with IFRS and company accounting policies.
• Manage external audits, internal audits, and tax engagements.
• Support annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.
• Perform financial analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Prepare management reports and dashboards for leadership review.
• Partner with operations and supply chain to drive cost efficiency initiatives.

Cost Accounting & Inventory

• Oversee cost accounting activities, including standard costing, and variance analysis.
• Review cost estimates of new products for establishing selling prices.
• Oversee annual Cost of Sales budgets. Review annual standard cost roll.
• Analyze material, labor, and overhead variances and partner with operations to explain and resolve issues.
• Identify, analyze, and explain cost of sales variances to budget analysis.
• Manage annual audit process including cost of sales, manufacturing operation and inventory audit by working directly with the auditors to answer queries and provide analysis as required in a timely manner.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain and enhance internal control framework (J-SOX).
• Document and enforce accounting policies and procedures.
• Assist with compilation of certain information for preparation of tax returns.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee corporate tax compliance and reporting.
• Assist in implementing process improvements to strengthen controls and efficiency.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff, fostering high performance and professional growth.
• Work cross functionally with Manufacturing Operations and Supply Chain on key operational projects and cost accounting requirements.
• Lead monthly manufacturing and supply chain meetings with operations teams and leadership to support the growth of the business and share key cost findings.

Requirements

You'll Need ...

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance; Active CPA or CMA Certification is required
• Experience: 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2-3 years in a Manufacturing environment; CPG environment is highly preferred
• Cost Accounting: Deep understanding of Standard Costing and Inventory Management
• Accounting Standards: Strong knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP), internal controls, and financial reporting requirements; J-SOX or SOX experience is a plus
• Tax Compliance & Reporting: Experience with tax compliance and financial reporting
• Manufacturing Reporting: Hands-on knowledge of Manufacturing financial reporting and close
• Financial Advisory Support: Prior experience providing financial support to senior leadership
• People Management: Experience managing and developing finance teams
• ERP System Proficiency: Experience working with ERP systems (Oracle ERP preferred)
• BPM System Proficiency: Experience working with Business Performance Management systems (IBM COGNOS TM1 preferred)
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with advanced Microsoft Excel skills (Pivot tables, v-lookups, and complex formulas)
• Business Travel: Ability and willingness to travel domestically