Job Summary

The Plant Controller provides strategic and operational financial leadership at the manufacturing facility, overseeing all aspects of financial reporting, cost control, inventory valuation, and performance analysis in accordance with U.S. GAAP and corporate policies. This role partners closely with operations to enhance financial performance, support strategic decision-making, and implement strong internal controls, while proactively driving change and fostering cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

Accounting Operations

• Oversee day-to-day operations accounting functions and ensure the integrity of financial records.
• Approve and post journal entries to the general ledger, ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP.
• Act as the financial liaison between the plant/manufacturing facility and corporate accounting, ensuring timely delivery of reports and addressing inquiries.

Inventory and COGS Management

• Lead the monthly close process related to inventory and COGS, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Analyze inventory transactions and product costs, ensuring proper valuation and alignment with company policies.
• Lead the annual (or biannual) standard cost update process in collaboration with Supply Chain and Accounting to ensure accurate standard cost roll-ups and updates.
• Identify and support COGS reduction initiatives in partnership with plant and corporate stakeholders.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Assist in the preparation and review of detailed financial forecasting and scenario models.
• Collaborate with operations leadership on budget development and quarterly forecast updates.
• Conduct variance analyses, comparing actuals to forecasts, and provide operational context to deviations.
• Perform ROI analysis on global capital and cost-saving projects in coordination with Operations Leadership.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain strong internal controls in accordance with SOX and other compliance frameworks.
• Ensure adherence to accounting policies and procedures, identifying and addressing control gaps.
• Support external audits (quarterly and annually) by preparing schedules, providing documentation, and responding to auditor inquiries.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with manufacturing, operations, and supply chain teams to drive performance improvements and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to investigate financial discrepancies and lead root cause resolution.
• Lead or support cross-functional initiatives that impact accounting, including system implementations, cost improvements, and operational excellence projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, inventory accounting, and cost accounting in a manufacturing environment
• Proactively lead, drive change and foster cross-functional collaboration
• Proven ability to lead and develop accounting teams with effective performance management
• Experience managing month-end close, financial forecasts, and annual budgets
• Skilled in analyzing COGS, inventory variances, and driving cost reduction initiatives
• Strong understanding of internal controls and experience supporting external audits
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain financials to non-financial stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and cross-functional projects in a fast-paced setting
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to identify root causes and corrective actions
• Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to continuous improvement

Qualifications (Experience and Education)

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, required.
• CPA, CMA, Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 5 years in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Experience supporting plant operations in a publicly traded company is a plus.
• Strong understanding of SEC and SOX compliance, preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of inventory accounting, cost accounting, and standard cost methodology.
• Experience supporting external audits and preparing audit-ready financial documentation.
• Advanced proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, or similar); experience with Oracle EBS preferred.
• A combination of training, education and experience that is equivalent to the qualifications listed above and that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.