Job Description

Overview

We are seeking a hands-on, entrepreneurial financial leader who will support three primary areas:

Direct Dimension - a manufacturing company requiring deep cost accounting and daily on-the-floor engagement. Montessori schools within MasteryWorks - multi-campus education operations requiring controller-level financial oversight. Future Saddle Horn portfolio companies - additional acquired businesses that will require financial integration, systems implementation, and group-level reporting.
The ideal candidate must be comfortable and genuinely interested in working across both manufacturing and education environments. This is essential and must be understood clearly by applicants.

This is not a traditional corporate controller role. It is designed for someone who enjoys building systems, toggling between very different business models, and working both operationally and strategically.

Key Responsibilities

1. Direct Dimension Responsibilities (Approximately 50 percent)

Manufacturing Cost Accounting

This requires daily on-site presence and hands-on work within the manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities include:

Conduct time studies, observe welding, assembly, and fabrication processes, and develop accurate standard labor and overhead models. Analyze manufacturing variances including labor, overhead, absorption, scrap, PPV, and material usage. Validate and update BOMs and routings to ensure accurate standard costing. Lead the annual standard cost roll-up and maintain cost integrity throughout the year. Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual inventory counts and cycle count programs. Perform inventory valuation accuracy checks, reserves, cost adjustments, and ERP cleanup. Work closely with the President and Production Manager to identify cost drivers, eliminate overruns, and support process improvement. Build cost models for new and expanding product lines, including the dry van division and new assemblies.

2. Montessori School Responsibilities (MasteryWorks - Significant Portion of Remaining Time)

Controller-Level Financial Management for Multi-Site Educational Operations

Prepare and analyze monthly P&Ls for multiple Montessori campuses. Consolidate financial statements across all school locations. Lead budgeting and rolling forecasts with campus directors. Oversee AP, vendor management, and purchasing workflows. Manage payroll and benefits administration in coordination with HR. Maintain strong financial controls and consistent processes across all campuses. Support tuition modeling, enrollment forecasting, and long-term financial planning.

Critical requirement:

Candidates must be comfortable working in and supporting education environments, not just manufacturing.

3. Future Saddle Horn Portfolio Companies

Financial Integration, Setup, and Controller Support

As new companies join the portfolio, this role will:

Build or standardize financial processes, systems, and reporting frameworks. Assist with integration of new entities into group-level financial reporting. Support diligence, early-stage financial setup, and KPI development. Provide fractional controller support to new acquisitions as needed.

4. Group-Level & Cross-Company Responsibilities

Assist the CFO with group-level consolidated reporting across all Saddle Horn entities. Support development and management of a growing financial team. Drive standardization of controls, accounting processes, and system usage. Improve automation, dashboards, KPIs, and analytical tools for leadership transparency.

Leadership Expectations

Operate with an ownership mentality -- entrepreneurial, flexible, and collaborative. Naturally able to switch between manufacturing, education, and future industries. Serve as a trusted partner to both the President of Direct Dimension and the CFO of Saddle Horn. Mentor, coach, and develop junior accounting staff as the company expands.

What Success Looks Like in 12 Months

Accurate, reliable costing and inventory systems at Direct Dimension. BOMs, routings, and overhead models validated and improved. Montessori schools receiving timely, consistent, GAAP-compliant financial reporting. Consolidated reporting established across all entities. A strong budgeting and forecasting process is in place. Financial controls and processes standardized across the portfolio. Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in both manufacturing and education cultures.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA/CMA preferred). 5-10+ years experience that includes: Manufacturing cost accounting Multi-entity controller or senior accounting work Experience in service, education, nonprofit, or multi-site operations (preferred) Deep knowledge of standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory accounting. Strong ERP experience (Fishbowl a plus). Advanced Excel skills including modeling, pivot tables, and dashboards. Comfortable working on the shop floor and in school environments. Strong communicator who can collaborate with operations, leadership, and educators. High-integrity, growth-minded, and entrepreneurial.

Role Expectations

Approximately 50 percent Direct Dimension, with the remaining time dedicated to Montessori schools and portfolio work. The split will flex monthly based on needs. Must be on-site in Lake In The Hills. Limited travel to Texas and other sites may be required. Occasional extended hours during month-end close, inventory counts, or special initiatives.

What This Role Offers

A unique opportunity to impact multiple businesses in different industries. Ability to build and scale financial infrastructure across a growing portfolio. Direct influence on operational strategy, cost structure, and financial visibility. Significant growth opportunities as Saddle Horn continues to acquire new companies. A collaborative environment that values initiative, ownership, and problem-solving.
Pay: $130,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance
Work Location: In person