Plant Controller

ESC has an exciting opportunity for a Plant Controller to support a fast-paced manufacturing operation within a dynamic production environment in Burlington, IA. This opportunity is ideal for a highly analytical and hands-on finance professional who thrives in a manufacturing environment and enjoys partnering closely with plant leadership to drive financial performance, operational efficiency, and process improvements.The Plant Controller will play a key role in managing accounting, budgeting, forecasting, inventory analysis, and financial reporting activities while ensuring compliance with internal controls and accounting standards. This individual will work closely with plant leadership and corporate finance teams to support decision-making, maintain financial accuracy, and improve operational performance.Job Description:Financial Reporting & Analysis• Prepare and analyze monthly financial results and communicate findings to plant leadership and corporate stakeholders• Develop and maintain monthly forecasts, annual operating plans, and strategic financial plans• Ensure all financial reporting, transactions, and submissions are completed accurately and within required deadlines• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support operational and business decisionsInventory & Cost Accounting• Lead inventory management activities, ensuring accuracy between physical and system inventory balances• Investigate and explain book-to-physical inventory variances and implement corrective actions where needed• Conduct and lead monthly inventory audits while reporting findings and recommendations• Maintain perpetual inventory records and reconcile production, shipping, and return activity daily• Analyze excess and obsolete inventory and provide recommendations to leadership• Develop and maintain standard costs and bills of materialsCompliance & Internal Controls• Ensure compliance with SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) requirements and internal control procedures across operations and finance functions• Analyze and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure accurate financial reporting• Partner with corporate finance leadership to address questions and improve compliance processes• Support adherence to applicable accounting policies and regulatory requirementsPlant Operations & Leadership Support• Attend daily and weekly production meetings to understand operational performance and support decision-making• Conduct periodic plant walkthroughs with leadership to review production and costing activities• Analyze labor reporting, manufacturing overhead, distribution costs, inventory levels, and operational metrics• Manage and support front office personnel and administrative activities as neededContinuous Improvement & Cross-Functional Collaboration• Partner with Plant Operations, Finance, and Corporate teams to identify process improvement opportunities• Support special projects and initiatives focused on improving profitability and operational efficiency• Provide financial guidance and support across multiple business functionsMust Have Qualifications:• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration• 5+ years of experience as a Controller, Cost Manager, or related manufacturing finance role• Strong understanding of GAAP accounting principles• Experience supporting accounting and financial operations within a manufacturing environment• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly advanced Excel capabilities• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to interact across all levels of an organization• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities independently• Ability to travel occasionally as business needs requireNice to Have Qualifications:• Experience with JD Edwards Enterprise or similar ERP systems• Background in cost accounting, inventory management, and standard cost development• Experience with SOX compliance and internal controls management• Exposure to strategic planning and operational finance initiatives• Leadership experience managing staff or administrative teams