Plant Controller

Position Summary: The Plant Controller is responsible for overseeing the financial operations at the St. Louis, MO plant and plays a key role in shaping the business strategy for the site as part of the senior leadership team. This position will provide leadership in general and cost accounting, corporate reporting, budgeting, forecasting, risk analysis, and ensuring compliance with GAAP and company policies. The Plant Controller is expected to work closely with all plant functions, serving as a financial business partner to support key business decisions. This role supervises general accounting, cost accounting, and payroll functions.

Essential Functions:

• Provide financial guidance and insights to site leadership to support informed decision-making, driving performance and financial success.
• Collaborate with management to deliver consultative support on financial and operational analyses, reports, and recommendations for planning initiatives.
• Ensure plant compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and internal financial policies/procedures.
• Manage the monthly close process and prepare necessary financial reports.
• Lead the preparation of monthly forecasts, the annual budget, and the strategic plan.
• Assess performance against budget and collaborate with department heads to make actionable recommendations.
• Oversee standard cost calculations and ensure accurate cost assignment.
• Ensure timely and accurate accounting of inventory movement and valuation.
• Manage all audit activities and serve as the liaison for internal and external audit teams to meet compliance and Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.
• Provide financial support for cost reduction initiatives and the site’s Performance Excellence program.
• Prepare and submit required reports to corporate, including quarterly and year-end financial reports, tax information, and government surveys.
• Supervise payroll processing for the hourly workforce.
• Develop and manage direct reports, ensuring timely and accurate completion of annual performance reviews.
• Continuously seek process improvements with a focus on cost reduction and real-time accuracy.
• Participate in site management meetings, including off-site or out-of-town meetings as required.

• Education: Undergraduate degree in Accounting or Finance (MBA preferred).
• Experience: At least 10 years of progressive experience in Accounting/Finance, with at least 3 years in a Controller or Manager role within a manufacturing environment. Strong cost accounting experience preferred.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

• CPA or CMA certification preferred.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and experience in cost accounting, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Excellent project management, leadership, and organizational development skills.
• Proven ability to develop others and lead high-performing teams.
• Exceptional communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to influence decision-making and collaborate effectively with senior management.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

Other Skills:

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong managerial courage to handle difficult business situations.
• Experience with Six Sigma, Lean, or similar methodologies preferred.
• Experience in an FDA-regulated environment is preferred.
• Familiarity with enterprise systems such as JDE or BPCS is a plus.