Controller at Lactalis Heritage Dairy Tulare, CA

Title

Controller

Plant Director

Tulare, CA

The Plant Controller serves as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and is responsible for overseeing all of the plant’s financial and accounting functions in accordance with corporate procedures and policies. Specific duties encompass strategy & productivity development, oversight of preparation and presentation of the annual operating budget, forecasting, financial analysis, business controls and capital financial analysis on strategic initiatives.

The position is responsible for the development of the plant finance staff and the liaison to corporate finance. Responsibilities also include ensuring integrity in the financial records, safeguarding of assets, ensuring internal control environment in compliance with Lactalis policies, GAAP, and Sarbanes‑Oxley compliance.

• Support the plant manager and other department managers to provide, coordinate, and challenge action plans for each of the technical indicators to achieve the targeted technical and financial commitments (Mass balance analysis, semi‑finished and finished good losses, people organization and productivity, line efficiencies, expenses, received/paid difference for milk).
• Provide thought leadership and insight on achievement of plant key performance metrics with a strong focus on cost reduction and improved operational efficiencies.
• Manage and develop direct reports.
• Provide oversight, guidance and control over plant capital projects.
• Report and present the manufacturing operation’s monthly financial results, risks, and opportunities to key stakeholders in a timely and accurate manner.
• Oversee month‑end close process.
• Oversee and provide cost forecasting & analysis, productivity pipeline accuracy and analysis.
• Prepare ad‑hoc analyses and special reports by collecting, analyzing and summarizing information and trends.
• Lead the annual operating budget construction and consolidation, partnering with, while also challenging, plant leadership, Vice President of Manufacturing, and corporate finance.
• Coordinate internal control self‑assessment audits and manage all internal/external audits.
• Lead corporate initiatives within the plant and lead process improvements.
• Support corporate finance as required with respect to projects including capital appropriations and plant utilization/capacity/asset management opportunities.
• Build and maintain financial standards (BOMS).

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business or Accounting required.
• MBA or Master’s degree and professional certification (CPA, CMA, etc.) preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of manufacturing operations, product costing and systems.
• Minimally 7+ years of experience in Finance or Accounting Management.
• 5+ years of supervisory/developing direct reports strongly preferred.
• Excellent analytical, leadership and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, result oriented.
• Extensive practical systems knowledge (SAP, advanced Excel).
• Demonstrated Project and Change Management abilities.
• Excellent ability to work in cross‑functional team environment.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred.

Lactalis Heritage Dairy is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally‑recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities.