Plant Controller

The Plant Controller is a key member of the manufacturing leadership team, responsible for directing the financial strategy and accounting functions for a high-volume production facility. This position provides oversight of plant financial performance, cost management, inventory controls, budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, and financial reporting while serving as a strategic advisor to operational leadership.

Working closely with manufacturing, engineering, procurement, supply chain, quality, and senior management, the Plant Controller delivers financial insight that supports operational excellence, improves profitability, and drives informed business decisions. The successful candidate will bring a strong manufacturing finance background, exceptional analytical capabilities, and a collaborative leadership style suited to a fast-paced production environment.

• Act as the primary financial advisor to site leadership, providing guidance on operational and strategic business decisions.
• Direct all financial activities associated with manufacturing operations, including plant profitability, operating expenses, production costs, and inventory performance.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency and identify opportunities to reduce manufacturing costs.
• Monitor and report on key manufacturing performance metrics, including labor productivity, material utilization, production yields, overhead efficiency, scrap reduction, and inventory accuracy.
• Deliver meaningful financial analysis that enables data‑driven decision making throughout the organization.
• Lead all aspects of manufacturing accounting, including standard costing methodologies, product costing, inventory valuation, bill of material validation, routing reviews, and cost allocation processes.
• Analyze production, labor, material, purchasing, overhead, and inventory variances while developing recommendations to improve financial performance.
• Ensure accurate accounting for raw materials, work‑in‑process, and finished goods inventories.
• Provide financial support for new product introductions, engineering modifications, capital improvements, and manufacturing process changes.
• Oversee physical inventories, cycle count programs, reconciliations, and inventory control procedures to maintain financial integrity.
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets, periodic forecasts, and long‑term financial plans for manufacturing operations.
• Prepare executive‑level reporting packages that communicate financial results, operational trends, and key performance indicators.
• Evaluate business risks, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend strategies that strengthen profitability.
• Perform financial analysis for capital expenditures, automation projects, facility improvements, and expansion initiatives.
• Build financial models that support operational planning and strategic growth initiatives.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Maintain compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Establish and monitor effective internal control processes to safeguard company assets.
• Coordinate internal and external audit activities while ensuring audit readiness throughout the year.
• Support compliance initiatives and maintain strong financial governance across plant operations.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required; MBA or CMA is considered an advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive finance and accounting experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience in a senior manufacturing finance leadership role such as Plant Controller, Manufacturing Controller, Operations Finance Manager, or Plant Finance Leader.
• Comprehensive knowledge of:
• Manufacturing finance
• Standard costing systems
• Inventory accounting and valuation
• Manufacturing variance analysis
• Financial planning and forecasting
• Capital investment and ROI analysis
• Plant‑level profit and loss management
• Demonstrated ability to build strong partnerships with operations, engineering, supply chain, procurement, and executive leadership.
• Proven leadership experience developing high‑performing finance teams and driving organizational performance.
• Thorough understanding of GAAP, financial controls, and corporate reporting requirements.
• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems (SAP experience preferred) and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to translate financial data into actionable business insights.