Plant Controller

Job Title: Plant ControllerLocation: Marion, NCReports to: Plant ManagerEmployment Type: Full-timeSeniority Level: Senior LevelIndustry: Manufacturing | Mechanical Power Transmission Components | Engineering ServicesJob Function: Financial Planning | Operational Analysis | Cost ManagementJob Summary: The Plant Controller is a key financial leader responsible for providing comprehensive financial planning, operational analysis, and cost management support to plant operations. This role partners closely with plant leadership to drive manufacturing performance through accurate planning, forecasting, cost control, and disciplined financial execution. The Plant Controller ensures the integrity of financial results while enabling data-driven decisions that improve operational efficiency, profitability, and inventory management.Key Responsibilities:Financial Planning and AnalysisLead the annual operating plan, budget, and rolling forecast processes for the manufacturing facility.Develop detailed production, labor, overhead, and capital expenditure plans aligned with operational goals.Partner with plant leadership to translate production plans into financial outcomes.Analyze variances versus plan, forecast, and prior periods; clearly communicate drivers and corrective actions.Support long-range planning and scenario modeling related to capacity, headcount, pricing, and cost initiatives.Provide decision support for make-versus-buy, sourcing, capital investment, and productivity projects.Plant Operations and Cost ManagementAct as a financial business partner to Plant Manager, Operations, Supply Chain, and Engineering leaders.Oversee product costing, standard cost maintenance, and cost rollups.Drive transparency and accountability for labor, material, scrap, and overhead absorption.Lead efforts to identify cost reduction and operational efficiency opportunities.Support continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM) with financial analytics.Monitor inventory levels, turns, and reserves; ensure alignment with production and supply chain plans.Accounting Controls and ComplianceEnsure accurate and timely monthly close, including journal entries, accruals, and variance explanations.Maintain strong internal controls over manufacturing, inventory, and fixed assets.Ensure compliance with GAAP, company policies, and external audit requirements.Partner with corporate accounting on standard cost updates and accounting changes.Leadership and CollaborationLead and develop plant finance staff (if applicable).Promote financial discipline and operational understanding across the plant.Serve as a trusted advisor to plant leadership by providing clear, actionable insights.Collaborate with corporate FP&A, supply chain, and operations teams.Key Metrics & Focus Areas:Manufacturing cost per unit and margin performanceLabor efficiency and overhead absorptionForecast accuracy and plan attainmentInventory accuracy, turns, and working capitalCapital spend vs. planVariance identification and corrective action executionQualifications:RequiredBachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field7–10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing finance or cost accountingStrong understanding of manufacturing operations, cost drivers, and planning processesProven experience partnering with plant leadershipAdvanced Excel and financial modeling skillsERP experience (SAP preferred)PreferredCMAExperience with CCH Tagetik for budgeting, forecasting, and management reportingExperience in complex manufacturing environmentsExposure to Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement frameworksPhysical Demands:Extended periods of sitting at a workstation.Speaking in person and over the telephone or Teams online.Ability to type, reach, and grasp.Intermittent standing and walking within the office environment.Ability to travel and stay overnight as needed.Why Join Us?Work alongside a collaborative, experienced leadership team.Be part of an industry leader with a strong brand reputation and an innovation-driven culture.RBC Bearings is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.Equal Opportunity EmployerThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.