Controller/Director of Finance

Continental Hydraulics, Inc. is seeking a finance leader to drive financial planning, reporting, controls, and people-focused oversight across Finance, Accounting, and Human Resources. This onsite role in Shakopee, MN offers a full-time exempt position with an expected salary of $160,000 to $180,000 per year (based on qualifications and experience), plus a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, an employer-contributed 401(k), paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.

What you’ll be responsible for

• Own the development and management of the annual operating budget, financial forecasts, and long-term financial plans.
• Prepare and present financial results, business plans, capital investment analyses, and recommendations for executive decision-making.
• Build and manage monthly financial and departmental reporting to explain performance, surface variances, and define corrective actions.
• Monitor revenue, expenses, margins, and operating performance, identifying opportunities to improve profitability and control costs.
• Participate in executive meetings and strategic planning by providing financial analysis related to policies, business priorities, and organizational issues.
• Evaluate capital expenditures and investment opportunities for financial feasibility and alignment with business objectives.
• Oversee accounting operations including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and inventory accounting.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial statements, reconciliations, journal entries, management reports, and support month-end and year-end close.
• Establish and maintain accounting policies, internal controls, and financial procedures to support accurate reporting, safeguard assets, and meet audit requirements.
• Coordinate external audits, tax preparation, and related reporting with internal teams and external advisors.
• Ensure financial reporting follows GAAP and applicable organizational and parent-company requirements.
• Oversee manufacturing cost accounting, inventory valuation and reconciliation, and analysis of production costs and variances.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, liquidity, and financing needs to support operations, including banking and lending relationships and credit facility evaluation.
• Set and oversee customer credit criteria, credit limits, collections practices, and account hold procedures.
• Monitor financial risks and recommend actions to protect the organization’s financial position.
• Provide executive oversight and direction for Human Resources, partnering with HR leadership on workforce planning, compensation, employee relations, compliance, and organizational development.
• Oversee HR administration of benefits, payroll processing, and 401(k) plan administration, including support for designated plan fiduciaries.
• Partner with HR and external advisors on plan governance, required reporting, audits, and compliance.
• Lead and develop Finance, Accounting, and HR staff through clear expectations, regular communication, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Establish departmental priorities, ensure appropriate staffing and training, and lead performance reviews that support accountability and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate and improve systems, workflows, and reporting to strengthen efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls.
• Lead or support financial system implementations, integrations, upgrades, and employee training.
• Perform other duties consistent with the position’s responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field (required).
• At least ten years of progressive experience in financial leadership, financial reporting, budgeting, financial analysis, and cash and credit management.
• At least three years of experience supervising and developing employees.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and experience developing financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Familiarity with Japanese Sarbanes-Oxley (J-SOX) requirements, where applicable.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet reporting and operational deadlines.
• Demonstrated integrity, discretion, and sound judgment with confidential financial and employee information.

Technology

• Enterprise resource planning (ERP)
• Financial management systems

Benefits & compensation

• Medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, company sponsored life insurance, and 401k with employer contribution.
• Accidental, Critical Illness, Long-Term Care, Legal and Pet Insurance.
• Paid Time Off and paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• 401(k) matching.
• Employee assistance program.
• Flexible spending account.
• Health insurance and Health savings account.
• Disability insurance.
• Dental insurance and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.

Compensation: $160,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year. This is a full-time, exempt position with an expected annualized salary of $160,000 - $180,000 (depending on qualifications and experience).

Working conditions

• Office environment with long periods of sitting at a desk; some standing, bending at the waist, stooping, and reaching.
• Ability to lift 5-20 pounds occasionally.
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer may be required.
• Occasional movement throughout the office and manufacturing facility may be required, following applicable safety requirements when entering production areas.

Preemployment screening

An offer of employment is contingent upon successfully completing a preemployment background check and passing a drug screening, conducted in accordance with company policy and applicable law.