Plant Controller

ESC has an exciting opportunity for a Plant Controller to support a leading manufacturing facility in Hazleton, PA. This full-time opportunity is ideal for an experienced accounting professional who enjoys partnering with operations to drive financial performance, strengthen internal controls, and provide strategic leadership within a plant environment. The Plant Controller will serve as a key business partner to plant leadership, overseeing accounting functions, cost management, inventory controls, financial reporting, and operational analysis to support profitability and informed decision-making.Job Description:• Lead all plant accounting activities, including cost accounting, financial reporting, forecasting, and variance analysis• Ensure the accuracy of physical inventory through oversight of inventory processes, reconciliation activities, and monthly inventory audits• Investigate and explain book-to-physical inventory variances and recommend corrective actions as needed• Maintain perpetual inventory records and reconcile inventory activity related to production, shipping, and returns on a regular basis• Analyze inventory levels and identify potential excess or obsolete inventory items• Prepare and accurately report monthly financial results to plant leadership and corporate stakeholders in accordance with established reporting timelines• Develop monthly forecasts, annual operating plans, and support long-range strategic planning initiatives• Submit financial transactions, reporting, and related documentation accurately and within required deadlines• Ensure compliance with SOX requirements and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure accurate financial reporting• Partner with corporate finance teams to resolve questions related to internal controls, accounting practices, and compliance matters• Develop and maintain standard costs and bills of materials to support operational and financial reporting needs• Participate in daily and weekly production meetings to provide financial insight and support operational decision-making• Conduct plant walkthroughs with operations leadership to review production activity, labor reporting, material usage, overhead costs, distribution expenses, returns, and inventory trends• Analyze manufacturing performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability• Manage and develop front office staff while promoting accountability and operational excellence• Support special projects and additional responsibilities as assigned by plant leadershipMust Have Qualifications:• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field• Minimum of 3+ years of hands-on cost accounting experience within a manufacturing environment• Strong understanding of GAAP principles and accounting best practices• Experience with inventory accounting, cost analysis, and financial reporting• Experience developing forecasts, budgets, and strategic financial plans• Knowledge of SOX compliance requirements and internal control frameworks• Experience with JD Edwards Enterprise or similar ERP systems• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, including the ability to create and modify complex spreadsheets• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently while maintaining attention to detail• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across finance and operations teamsNice to Have Qualifications:• Previous experience serving as a Plant Controller or Cost Accounting leader within manufacturing• Experience leading inventory audits and physical inventory processes• Experience partnering directly with plant leadership to drive operational improvements• Supervisory or team leadership experience• Experience supporting strategic planning initiatives and profitability analysis• Exposure to continuous improvement initiatives within manufacturing environments