Manufacturing Operations Controller

Title: Manufacturing Operations Controller

Location: Waukegan, IL area

Hire Type: Direct-Hire, Onsite

Target Base Salary: $145,000/year

Benefits: PTO, Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, Annual Incentive Plan

Overview:

Sterling has helped build careers for thousands for professionals like yourself. Our expert recruiters support you at every step in the process and as a Best of Staffing company, Sterling provides exciting work with exceptional employers across the U.S.

Job Summary:

The Manufacturing Operations Controller is a highly visible role that supports the Regional Finance Director in managing inventory and collaborates with cross-functional teams to implement strategies aimed at reducing costs and enhancing plant productivity. A key responsibility is identifying trends and opportunities within the business to maintain optimal inventory levels and minimize obsolete stock.

Job Duties:

• Support the Regional Finance Director in managing inventory levels and ensuring proper costing.
• Maintain costing standards, including quarterly/annual cost updates, assigning and updating burden rates, overhead expense allocation, and working with Supply Chain & Operations teams to ensure accuracy and transparency in product costing.
• Analyze costs related to inventory, labor, material purchases, and perform variance analysis with recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate with Operations teams to complete and review inventory reporting, covering both actuals and forecasts.
• Provide analysis and commentary to explain variances from established benchmarks and support senior leadership in decision-making to achieve operational goals.
• Work with the Operations team to identify cost-saving initiatives and projects that improve plant productivity metrics.
• Partner with relevant teams to optimize inventory management, reduce excess and obsolete inventory, and prepare reports to track progress toward organizational targets.
• Identify and implement improvements to management reporting processes, incorporating best practices across the finance function.
• Create and manage an effective financial and operational metric system to provide real-time data on company performance concerning inventory.
• Prepare ad-hoc analysis and reports to support internal and external reporting requirements.
• Review capital expenditure projects, perform financial valuations, and present findings to senior leadership for approval.
• Ensure compliance with accounting regulations, including GAAP and SOX, by performing regular reconciliations and communicating necessary adjustments to leadership.
• Promote a continuous improvement mindset, partnering cross-functionally to enhance processes and drive results.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance required. MBA is preferred.
• 7 years of relevant experience in manufacturing and cost accounting.
• 3 years working in a supervisory role.
• CPA or CMA certification is highly preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (Epicor is a plus).
• Strong knowledge of SOX and GAAP principles and regulations.
• Experience in continuous improvement initiatives and processing large sets of numerical data.