What are the responsibilities and job description for the AFB Plant Controller position at Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc.?
This opportunity is located within our AFB International business, the global science and technology leader in pet food palatability. We develop and produce a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers using high-quality ingredients proven to optimize companion animal response and consumption.
Job Description
Summary This position is primarily responsible for accounting and finance support for two plants. The position will be based at the O’Fallon, MO facility. This position will develop, interpret and implement complex financial and accounting concepts or techniques for financial planning, analysis and control. This includes, but is not limited to, analyzing monthly financial results and identifying key variance drivers, coordinating and preparing financial projections and preparing ad-hoc analysis to support management and to facilitate profit improvement. Month-end close, Capital project review and tracking, journal entries, account reconciliation and analysis, income statement and variance analysis, internal controls, and other projects will also be key responsibilities. Working with and understanding operations will be key to support the overall profitability of the business.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Be a business partner with the operations team to drive profitability and continuous improvement
- Understanding capital policies and procedures, and lead reviewing, tracking and reporting of all North America capital projects.
- Lead project to implement a robust cycle count program at the O’Fallon manufacturing site.
- Analyze financial information to determine present and future financial performance.
- Analyze financial performance; identify and summarize key performance drivers.
- Monthly closing and analysis of inventory, manufacturing costs and financial statements, including recording monthly journal entries, preparing detailed support for select inventory and manufacturing cost related accounts and prepare/review of monthly account reconciliations; ensuring that closing schedule is followed so reporting deadlines are met.
- Development and implementation of various policies along with monitoring various accounting and inventory activities to ensure established policies and internal controls are followed.
- Support the development and maintenance of standard costs, including periodic review and audit of the Company’s standard cost methods to ensure compliance with company policy.
- Identify and resolve problems and inconsistencies, determining appropriate corrective procedures.
- Compilation and review of detailed financial information. Develop and modify financial reports in IFS, Excel, Vena reporting software, etc. as necessary.
- Identify trends and recommends improvements accordingly.
- Direct preparation of studies, reports and analyses in areas such as business forecasts, annual budget, 5-year plan, monthly forecasts and other corporate financial requirements.
- Recommend cost saving or profit generating opportunities and profitability improvement strategies.
- Research and prepare reports and analyses on subjects such as rate of return, make vs. buy, lease vs. buy, and working capital requirements.
- Prepare various financial analyses and complete general ledger accounting as required.
- Expense analysis and consultation.
- Complete special projects/tasks and duties as assigned.
- Observe all safety rules.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Although this job has no supervisory responsibilities, the Plant Controller will be a key member of the management team for the O’Fallon facility.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Required
o Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance, or equivalent combination of education and experience, Accounting degree preferred
o 10 years relevant experience
- Desired
o Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree / CPA preferred
o Experience with IFS, IFS Business Reporter and Vena reporting software a plus
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
- Strong communication/interpersonal skills and polished presentation skills.
- Knowledge of computerized information systems used in financial and/or accounting applications.
o Proficient with Microsoft Office products including Excel, Word and PowerPoint, with an advanced Excel skill set.
o IFS ERP experience preferred.
- Independent, forward thinker (assertiveness)
- Demonstrates attention to detail.
- Presents numerical data effectively.
- Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, verbal, or diagram form.
- Proficient analytical, problem solving, critical thinking, and decision making.
- Works well with teams.
- Exhibits good judgment and objectivity.
- Ensure high governance and fiduciary responsibility.
- Strong knowledge of financial accounting (U.S. GAAP), budgeting control and reporting principles, methods, techniques and standards.
- Experience in developing, implementing, performing, and testing internal controls.
- Human Relations Skills: Listens and responds to colleagues, demonstrating high levels of respect, honesty and empathy. Communicates face-to-face frequently in terms that are meaningful to the other person. Works well with others. Is trustworthy. Takes accountability for projects and owns mistakes.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and perform data entry. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.
