Plant Controller

Company DescriptionAmerican Plastic Products is aa injection molding company located in Waterbury, Connecticut. Specializing in high-quality plastic manufacturing, the company is committed to delivering superior results to its clients across various industries. With a dedication to operational excellence and innovation, American Plastic Products provides a robust work environment focused on growth and efficiency. The company values its employees as integral components of its success and supports their professional development.Role DescriptionThis is an on-site, full-time role located in Waterbury, CT. The Plant Controller serves as the senior financial and administrative leader for the facility and is responsible for all accounting, financial reporting, payroll, human resources administration, compliance, and office management functions. This role performs both strategic and hands-on responsibilities, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, and efficient business operations.The position partners closely with plant leadership to provide financial insight, operational analysis, and administrative support that drive business performance and support company objectives.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesFinancial Management & AccountingMaintain complete responsibility for all accounting functions of the plant.Manage month-end and year-end closing processes.Prepare accurate and timely financial statements and management reports.Maintain the general ledger and ensure proper account reconciliations.Process journal entries and oversee accounting transactions.Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash management activities.Monitor working capital, cash flow, and liquidity requirements.Perform account analysis and resolve discrepancies.Maintain fixed asset records and depreciation schedules.Coordinate annual audits and support external auditors.Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies.Develop and maintain financial controls and procedures.Cost Accounting & Manufacturing FinanceMaintain product costing and standard cost systems.Analyze manufacturing variances including labor, material, and overhead.Monitor inventory valuation and perform inventory reconciliations.Support physical inventory counts and cycle count programs.Analyze plant performance, productivity, and profitability.Develop operational and financial metrics for plant management.Partner with operations to identify cost reduction and process improvement opportunities.Prepare profitability analyses and capital expenditure evaluations.Budgeting, Forecasting & AnalysisLead annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.Prepare monthly financial forecasts and variance analyses.Analyze business performance against budget and prior periods.Provide financial recommendations to plant leadership.Develop business cases and return-on-investment analyses.Prepare ad hoc financial reports and analyses as requested.Payroll AdministrationProcess payroll accurately and timely for all plant employees.Maintain payroll records and employee earnings information.Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.Process wage garnishments, deductions, and benefit withholdings.Prepare payroll tax filings and related reports.Reconcile payroll accounts and investigate discrepancies.Coordinate payroll-related audits and inquiries.Serve as primary point of contact for employee payroll questions.Human Resources AdministrationMaintain employee personnel files and HR records.Administer employee onboarding and offboarding processes.Coordinate benefits enrollment and employee benefit programs.Support recruiting activities, job postings, and candidate administration.Maintain employee attendance and leave records.Prepare and submit required employment-related reports and filings.Assist management with employee relations documentation.Ensure compliance with employment laws and company policies.Coordinate training records and compliance requirements.Support performance management and annual review processes.Compliance & Regulatory ReportingPrepare and submit federal, state, and local regulatory filings.Manage payroll tax filings and related compliance requirements.Maintain business licenses and registrations.Ensure compliance with labor, tax, and employment regulations.Coordinate workers' compensation and unemployment administration.Support environmental, safety, and insurance reporting requirements.Maintain documentation supporting regulatory compliance.Administrative & Office ManagementOversee office supplies, vendor relationships, and administrative services.Maintain company records and document retention systems.Coordinate facility administrative needs and support functions.Assist plant leadership with special projects and reporting requirements.Manage corporate reporting requests and information submissions.Serve as liaison between the plant and corporate support functions.Leadership & Business PartnershipAct as a trusted business partner to the leadership team.Provide financial guidance to support operational decision-making.Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes, and controls.Lead implementation of financial and administrative best practices.QualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.CPA, CMA, or other professional certification preferred.Experience7+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.Manufacturing and cost accounting experience strongly preferred.Experience with payroll processing and HR administration preferred.Experience working independently in a small business or plant environment highly desirable.Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesStrong understanding of financial accounting, cost accounting, and internal controls.Knowledge of payroll administration and employment regulations.Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.Strong organizational and time-management skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.Strong written and verbal communication skills.High degree of integrity and confidentiality.Ability to work effectively with employees at all organizational levels.