Plant Controller

We are seeking an experienced Plant Controller to lead all plant financial activities for a fast-paced automotive manufacturing facility. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for financial reporting, cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, inventory accounting, and providing financial guidance to plant leadership. The ideal candidate has a strong manufacturing finance background, thrives in a plant environment, and enjoys partnering with operations to drive business performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Prepare, review, and approve journal entries and accruals.
• Perform balance sheet reconciliations and maintain account accuracy.
• Prepare and validate trial balances and financial statements.
• Explain financial results and key financial drivers to plant leadership.
• Define and maintain cost allocation methodologies.
• Reconcile SAP and HFM financial data.
• Support internal and external audits while ensuring SOX compliance.
• Perform monthly variance analysis against budget and forecast.
• Analyze plant and platform financial performance.
• Develop meaningful financial insights and recommendations for leadership.
• Prepare and distribute management reporting packages.
• Manage inventory valuation and inventory accounting processes.
• Reconcile physical inventory counts.
• Analyze inventory variances, adjustments, and losses.
• Ensure inventory transactions are accurate and compliant.
• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process.
• Develop financial assumptions and profit plans for the plant.
• Partner with operations and business units to validate budgeting assumptions.
• Support long-range financial planning and profitability initiatives.
• Manage capital expenditure (Cap Ex) planning and reporting.
• Track capital projects from authorization through completion.
• Determine capitalization and Construction-in-Progress (CIP) settlements.
• Manage asset retirements, write-offs, and fixed asset records.
• Support capital grant reporting where applicable.
• Verify fixed asset inventories and process adjustments as needed.
• Maintain strong financial controls and accounting processes.
• Support tax reporting, accruals, and compliance initiatives.
• Participate in safety committees, Kaizen events, audits, and observation programs.
• Complete assigned safety inspections, employee observations, and monthly safety training.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in plant finance, cost accounting, and financial reporting.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience working with ERP systems.
• Automotive manufacturing experience (Tier 1 supplier preferred).
• Experience with SAP and Hyperion Financial Management (HFM).
• Strong knowledge of SOX compliance and internal controls.