Plant Controller - Automotive, Ohio

Job Title: Plant ControllerLocation: Fremont, OHIndustry: Manufacturing - Foam / Polyurethane ProductionCompany: ConfidentialReports To: Plant ManagerDirect Reports: Senior Accountant and Accounting ClerkTier I Automotive Experience PreferredPosition OverviewA confidential Tier I automotive supplier in Chattanooga, TN is seeking a hands-on Plant Controller with strong expertise in manufacturing cost accounting to lead all financial operations for a foam/polyurethane production facility.This position reports directly to the Plant Manager and serves as a key member of the plant leadership team. The Controller will be responsible for driving financial accuracy, cost discipline, inventory integrity, and operational margin performance in a high-volume manufacturing environment.This is a leadership role with direct supervision of a Senior Accountant and an Accounting Clerk, ensuring strong internal controls and financial process execution at the plant level.Key Responsibilities - Heavy Cost Accounting EmphasisLead all plant-level accounting and financial reporting functionsOwn and manage standard costing systems, cost rollups, and BOM accuracyPerform detailed material, labor, scrap, yield, and overhead variance analysisAnalyze manufacturing absorption, inventory valuation, and gross margin performanceDrive cost reduction initiatives in partnership with OperationsOversee WIP, raw material, and finished goods costing accuracyLead inventory controls, cycle counts, and annual physical inventoryManage monthly close, forecasting, and annual budgeting processesSupport capital expenditure analysis and ROI modelingEnsure GAAP compliance and strong internal controlsProvide financial insight and cost transparency to plant leadershipLeadership & Reporting StructureReports directly to the Plant ManagerDirectly manages the Senior Accountant and Accounting ClerkDevelops and mentors plant accounting staffPartners cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, and Corporate FinanceQualificationsBachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required (CPA or CMA preferred)Minimum 5+ years of manufacturing accounting experienceStrong hands-on cost accounting and standard costing expertise requiredTier I automotive manufacturing experience strongly preferredExperience in foam, polyurethane, plastics, or chemical manufacturing a plusERP system experience requiredAdvanced Excel skillsExperience supporting high-volume, multi-shift production environmentsCompensationBase Salary: $115,000 - $120,000Bonus eligible + comprehensive benefits package