Controller

A privately held, long-established company in the Lenexa, Kansas area is seeking a Controller to lead its accounting and finance function through a once-in-a-generation transition. This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on accounting leader who can absorb decades of institutional knowledge, build trust with ownership and the existing team, and then help modernize systems, processes, and financial operations for the next chapter of the business.

This is not a maintenance role. The incoming Controller will spend the initial transition period learning the business directly from a 40-year incumbent before assuming full ownership of the finance function, leading the accounting team, partnering directly with the Owner/CEO, and helping drive a future ERP implementation and broader process transformation.

What You'll Do as the Controller

• Work closely with the retiring Controller during an extended transition period to learn the company's accounting processes, systems, history, and operating rhythms
• Take ownership of the full accounting function as the transition progresses
• Oversee Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, commission payouts, invoicing, and General Ledger activity
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes
• Manage external audit coordination and serve as a primary contact for banking relationships
• Maintain tax compliance and support 401(k) administration and related reporting
• Lead and develop an accounting team that includes an Accounting Supervisor, an AR Specialist, and two remote AR team members
• Provide accurate financial reporting and strategic insight to ownership
• Build strong working relationships with the Owner/CEO, accounting team, auditors, banks, and other business partners
• Identify outdated, redundant, or overly manual accounting processes after fully understanding why they exist
• Help evaluate, select, and implement a new ERP system
• Modernize workflows and financial systems while prote