Plant Controller

Purpose of the Position

As a trusted business partner to plant management, is responsible for providing timely and accurate financial information and performance data to analyze business operations. 

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Exempt position. 

Responsible for all plant financial reporting and accounting functions. Works through accounting and administrative staff in the processing of all plant accounting functions, payables, variance analysis, plant performance feedback, yield calculations, physical inventory recording, efficiency reporting and other operational information related  to plant performance. Ensures that all information reported is both timely and accurate and that proper accounting  principles and practices are followed. Maintains appropriate level of staff support necessary to meet business and budgetary goals and objectives. Maintains a working knowledge of all subordinates’ day to day responsibilities in order to ensure all functions are accomplished regardless of absences. 

Communicates financial reporting and performance data. Serves as a business partner with plant management. Explains and interprets financial results, answers ad hoc questions, and troubleshoots accounting issues for plant management. Reviews budget variances with operations management and suggests corrective action. Regularly prepares financial presentations. Presents to small and large groups. Accesses and reviews standard budget reports  as appropriate for the organization. Regularly analyzes budget data to identify trends and improve cost effectiveness. 

Manages month end closing process. Prepares and reviews journal entries needed to close the monthly accounting period. Analyzes financial statements to ensure completeness and accuracy. Reviews supporting documentation for the balance sheet and resolves any issues. Tracks key metrics to report on monthly. 

Develops and maintains standard cost involving labor, overhead, and bill of materials for new & existing items. Provides operations management with daily/weekly/monthly reports and tools to aid in the effective cost management of the plant. Points out areas that need improvement or that are performing effectively. Provides cost inputs to the pricing process as required. Works with senior operations management to recommend changes to standard costing. 

Prepares monthly forecasts and annual budgets based on demand planning. Assists operations management in annual budget preparation. Develops graphs and visualizes data. 

Manages employees. Directs and supervises employees’ work activities and monitors work performance. Collaborates with Human Resources to screen, interview and hire candidates. Administers disciplinary actions and recommends performance improvement actions in collaboration with the HR Manager. Monitors work performance and recommends compensation decisions based on guidelines. Follows Simmons values to develop and maintain a favorable working relationship with all employees. Promotes a cooperative and harmonious environment in order to facilitate positive employee morale, productivity, and continued improvement. 

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any  areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy  possible within the larger organization. 

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas. 

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position. 

Physical Activities: Walking to different departments within the facility. Enters and locates information on a computer. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Employees will be in a sitting position for the majority of shifts. Employees will need finger dexterity for typing and 10-key operation throughout the shift.  

Travel: Travels domestically to and from multiple facilities or work-sites, possibly requiring overnight stays. 

Technical Experience: 5-10 years accounting experience required. Previous supervisory experience strongly preferred. Able to solve analytical accounting problems. Must have strong interpersonal skills. Strong working knowledge of MS Office Suite and ERP systems required. 

Industry Experience: Accounting experience in a manufacturing or food processing organization preferred. 

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or related field. 

Preferred Education: N/A 

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.