Plant Controller

GENERAL SUMMARY:

This is a salaried position in Manteno, IL that reports to the CFO. The Plant Controller is a key financial leader responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the plant operations. This role ensures accurate financial reporting, budgeting, and cost analysis while supporting the plant’s operational goals. The Plant Controller collaborates closely with the plant management team to optimize financial performance and drive strategic initiatives.

This role is critical to driving the financial success of the plant and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives in the highly regulated and competitive food industry.

SCOPE OF JOB FUNCTION

• Oversee all aspects of financial reporting, including month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing processes.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements to ensure accuracy and compliance with corporate standards and regulations.
• Maintain proper documentation and ensure adherence to internal controls and accounting policies.
• Develop, monitor, and manage the plant’s annual budget.
• Provide regular financial forecasts and identify key variances.
• Recommend corrective actions to meet financial objectives.
• Analyze production costs, variances, and inventory valuations.
• Develop strategies to reduce waste and optimize plant efficiency.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and performance.
• Partner with plant operations to identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
• Participate in strategic decision-making related to capital investments, capacity planning, and new product launches.
• Support compliance with food industry standards and regulations, including traceability and waste management reporting.
• Lead and mentor the plant’s finance team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Provide training and development opportunities to enhance team capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with corporate financial policies, SOX, and other applicable regulations.
• Identify potential financial risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Develop, implement and maintain policies and procedures for a wide-ranging set of activities including financial accounting and reporting, cash management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit control, fixed assets, and general corporate policies.
• Participates in the annual financial review/audit process in conjunction with the external accounting firms, CFO and other Plant Controller.
• Manage a robust fixed asset management and capital project reporting system.
• Effectively communicate and present critical financial matters to CFO and CEO HACO Culinary and to CFO HACO AG.
• Manage domestic banking relationships and negotiate for lines of credit or other financial services as required and appropriate.
• Other duties and projects as assigned by CFO and/or HACO AG.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED:

EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field. CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred.
• Minimum 5-7 years of accounting or financial management experience, preferably in the food manufacturing industry.
• 3-5 years of experience in a large company environment.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory management, and financial analysis.
• Demonstrated success in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Solid background of managing complex projects through leadership of cross-functional teams.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to translate financial concepts to the broader organization members who may not have strong financial reporting backgrounds.

DESIRED:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation preferred.
• MBA/CPA, a plus.
• Knowledge of general manufacturing environment & practices.
• Business Acumen.