Plant Controller

Scope of Position

Our client is seeking a dynamic Plant Controller to oversee accounting and reporting functions as a vital member of the manufacturing team. This role is critical in supporting the company’s internal control processes and requires a high-energy, communicative professional who exemplifies the company’s core values and serves as a role model to colleagues. The Plant Controller is tasked with ensuring the accuracy and completeness of manufacturing inputs and financial results, updating manufacturing standards, conducting variance analyses, and monitoring key financial performance indicators (KPIs). This hands-on management position also includes overseeing the plant accounting team and co-managing HR and payroll functions alongside the corporate controller. It offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within a fast-paced and dynamic manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting—Prepare accurate, complete, and timely balance sheet reconciliations and operational variance analyses within 2 weeks of a monthly close.
• Budgeting, Standard Cost Development/Maintenance, Forecasting—Collaborate with plant management to develop and monitor budgets, forecasts, and KPIs. Analyze monthly standard versus actual cost variances and report these to the corporate controller in a monthly report.
• Cost Management – Be the plant’s leader in developing and maintaining standard costs for all manufacturing inputs. Collaborate with plant management to continuously improve costs and plant efficiencies.
• Internal Accounting Controls – Provide input into existing plant policies and procedures to safeguard plant assets, including (but not limited to) inventory, fixed assets, manufacturing supplies, and parts.
• Financial Analysis—Collaborate with the plant manager to report on and further develop plant KPIs with a view to continuous plant improvement.
• Inventory Management—Monitor inventory levels and perform cycle counts to support the accuracy of physical inventory. Lead complete plant inventory counts when necessary. Apply standard inventory costs to physical inventory to support its accuracy and completeness on the balance sheet.
• Annual Financial Statement Audit—Facilitate annual financial statement audits, bank, insurance, and all other external audits. Prepare audit schedules as requested, respond to audit inquiries, and resolve audit findings in a timely manner.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – As the plant’s financial leader, collaborate with various plant departments, including (but not limited to) production, procurement, and logistics, to gather financial data and insights. Work closely with plant management to align financial goals with operational objectives
• Team Leadership – Manage the plant’s accounting team. Provide guidance, training, and support to develop team members. Perform timely, periodic performance reviews for all subordinates.
• Responsible for overseeing customer invoicing, including deduction reconciliation, trade spending, and overall cash flow.
• Prepare necessary reports for annual insurance audits, including workers' compensation and general liability
  
  

Required Skills

• Proven experience and ability to multi-task and support multiple team members as the department head
• Experience with manufacturing ERP systems, Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Highly analytical and detail-oriented
• Positive & professional disposition
• Respect for confidential information
• Organized and willing to create new processes and improve existing as necessary
• Problem-solving/critical thinking Skills
• Strong communication skills
  
  

Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance or commensurate prior experience
• 5-10 years of plant controller experience
• Strong, demonstrated command of cost accounting and financial analysis
• Proficient in financial modeling and analysis tools
• Advanced Excel skills required
• Experience with Microsoft Power BI a plus
• Experience working with Microsoft Dynamics / D365 is a plus