Plant Finance Controller, Fairfield, Ohio

Schneider Electric has a hybrid opportunity for a Plant Finance Controller in Fairfield, OH.

As the Plant Finance Controller
, you will serve as the finance leader and strategic business partner for Modular Data Center manufacturing site, responsible for governance of supply-chain financial performance, plant and project controlling, productivity, operating leverage, capital expenditure and internal controls. The role independently leads the plant finance agenda, challenges operational performance, ensures reliable financial information and supports the Plant Director and other leaders in making timely decisions that protect gross margin, cash flow and long-term competitiveness.

• Act as the trusted finance partner to the Plant Director and leadership team.
• Drive accountability for plant and supply chain P&L performance, productivity, operating leverage, inventory, working capital, and cash flow.
• Challenge operational performance and support actions that improve gross margin and profitability.
• Lead business reviews and performance discussions, ensuring execution of commitments and corrective actions.
• Translate operational results into actionable financial insights and business recommendations.

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and performance monitoring for the site.
• Deliver accurate financial reporting, analysis, and management review materials.
• Strengthen Actual vs. Standard (AvS) analysis by identifying key drivers across materials, labor, volume, mix, efficiency, and commodities.
• Ensure transparency, data integrity, and auditability across all financial processes.

• Lead Raw Material Inflation (RMI) analysis, forecasting, and reporting.
• Partner with commercial and tendering teams to validate manufacturing cost assumptions and support cost recovery initiatives.
• Provide financial oversight and sign-off for tender submissions to protect project profitability and margin expectations.
• Drive year-over-year productivity and cost improvement initiatives.

• Lead capital expenditure planning, governance, and post-investment performance tracking.
• Evaluate capacity investments against demand forecasts, utilization, productivity, and expected returns.
• Ensure effective governance of excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce costs, optimize working capital, and strengthen cash flow.

• Ensure compliance with accounting policies, financial regulations, and internal controls.
• Support internal and external audits and drive remediation of control gaps.
• Lead adoption of finance systems, tools, and process improvements across the site.
• Strengthen governance around Delegation of Authority (DOA), Chart of Accounts (COA), and financial reporting practices.

We know skills and competencies show up in many different ways and can be based on your life experience. If you do not necessarily meet all the requirements that are listed, we still encourage you to apply for the position.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in plant controlling, manufacturing finance, project controlling, or a similar business finance role.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing P&L management, product costing, standard costing, budgeting, forecasting, capital expenditures, inventory, and working capital.
• Experience in manufacturing or project-based environments with the ability to understand operational, commercial, and commodity cost drivers.
• Advanced Excel and ERP systems experience;
  Oracle ERP experience is a plus.
• CPA, CMA, or other relevant professional certification preferred.

• Strong business partnering and influencing capabilities.
• Ability to challenge operational and commercial leaders with data-driven insights.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-support skills.
• Proven ability to connect operational performance with P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow outcomes.
• Strong communication and presentation skills across plant, commercial, and executive audiences.
• Proactive, independent, and results-oriented mindset.

Success will be measured by:

• Accurate forecasting, reporting, and financial data quality.
• Improved productivity, cost performance, and gross margin.
• Strong governance of P&L, inventory, working capital,…