Plant Controller

Summary Description

The Plant Controller position is accountable for the overall integrity, accuracy and completeness of financial results and safeguarding of plant assets for a multi-line plant with significant operational and SKU complexity. The Controller is a key member of the Operations Management team and engages in all aspects of operations to provide timely and comprehensive financial leadership to the Plant Management team.

This role is also responsible for developing and managing hourly and possibly salaried direct reports responsible for the day‑to‑day accounting, reporting and inventory control for the operations at the respective plant. The Controller works with other Manufacturing Accounting Managers, Plant Management, the North American Business Unit Finance Team, and other Controllers.

• Accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Balance sheet oversight and reconciliation.
• Forecasting and budget planning.
• Capital expenditure analysis and reporting.
• Accurate cost analysis.
• Compliance with internal controls and corporate policies.
• Statutory reporting as required.
• Completion of internal and external audits.
• Support continuous operational and financial results improvement with focus on cost savings.
• Manage and develop direct reports.

• Overall responsibility for the plant operations financial results and delivery of accurate timely results in accordance with GAAP, company processes/procedures and statutory regulations, through working closely with the Plant management team, Cost Accounting/Inventory management and Supply Chain Finance.
• Work with plant management teams to set annual standards, production yields for financial reporting and costing analysis.
• Provide financial guidance and support to plant management with proactive communication of accounting/reporting issues and recommendations.
• Provide guidance to management on key business decisions that enable effective and efficient operations and delivery of savings.
• Assist in the origination of capital expenditure requests, prepare and review financial support for the capex requests ensuring compliance to Refresco policy and robust accurate projections of costs and savings generated by the project; perform post‑capital expenditure audits and reviews.
• Ensure compliance with key control procedures and corporate policies at the local level to safeguard financial integrity and assets.
• Provide weekly/monthly working capital reporting and work with Plant management to manage effective working capital utilization and cash flows, focusing on inventories and capex cash flows.
• Maintain open communication with peers to foster consistent approaches in financial management of local units.
• Support external and internal audits at the operating facilities and complete other ad‑hoc reporting requests.

• Manage the weekly/monthly/quarterly flash forecast process with Plant Management to deliver accurate forecasted results and identify risks and opportunities.
• Lead the development of the Annual Operating Plan for the plant.

• Collaborate with the Plant Management Team to identify and recommend process improvements that will deliver financial benefits or mitigate financial risks.
• Analyze financial data to facilitate decision‑making processes at the plant management level.

• IT literacy (Microsoft Office).
• ERP system experience (SAP preferred).
• Strong analytical skills.
• Proven strategic problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to operate and consistently deliver in a changing environment.
• High level of accountability.
• Self‑starter with strong initiative and ability to work independently.
• Strives for high performance and uses technical skills with emphasis on detail and accuracy.
• Ability to multi‑task and work in an organized, detailed manner under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of financial accounting systems, controls and compliance procedures and industry practices.
• Strong business ethics commitment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to explain results, document processes and convey ideas.
• Financial analysis skills: identifies…