Manufacturing Plant Controller

The Plant Controller serves as the senior financial leader at the manufacturing facility and a key member of the plant leadership team. This role drives financial performance, operational profitability, cost discipline, and internal control excellence. The Controller partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, and Sales to improve margins, optimize working capital, and support strategic growth initiatives.This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for plant-level financial management, standard cost accounting, forecasting, compliance, and business decision support.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Leadership & StrategyServe as strategic advisor to the Plant General Manager on financial performance, risk management, capital allocation, and profitability improvement.Translate operational performance into financial impact and actionable insight.Lead financial modeling and ROI analysis for capital investments and continuous improvement initiatives.Dynamic team leader skilled at motivating a team and effectively prioritizing tasks to drive resultsCost Accounting & Operational FinanceOwn and maintain the standard cost system including:Analyze scrap, yield, labor efficiency, throughput, and overhead utilization.Drive cost reduction initiatives and margin improvement strategies.Partner with Operations to identify and execute productivity improvements.Budgeting, Forecasting & ReportingLead annual operating plan and rolling forecast processes.Provide monthly performance analysis including:Deliver accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with GAAP.Develop KPI dashboards aligned to plant performance objectives.Working Capital & Asset ManagementMonitor and optimize inventory levels, accuracy, and turns.Oversee cycle count processes and fixed asset controls.Improve cash flow through disciplined AR, AP, and inventory management.Ensure strong internal controls in compliance with SOX requirements.Compliance & ControlsServe as site lead for internal and external audits.Ensure adherence to GAAP, SOX, and corporate policies.Strengthen internal control environment and drive continuous process improvement.Leadership & Team DevelopmentLead and develop plant accounting staff.Establish performance expectations and accountability standards.Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and operational excellence.QualificationsRequiredBS/BA in Accounting or Finance.8–10 years progressive accounting/finance experience.3–5 years in a manufacturing environment with full plant-level financial responsibility.Strong standard cost accounting experience.Deep understanding of GAAP and SOX.Strong command of Microsoft Excel.PreferredCPA and/or MBA.Experience with ERP systems in a manufacturing environment.Experience in public company reporting environment.Key CompetenciesStrong operational finance mindsetStrategic thinker with hands-on execution capabilityData-driven decision makerContinuous improvement orientationAbility to influence plant leadershipHigh ethical standards and control disciplineDynamic team leader with ability to motivate and prioritize