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Plant Controller


The Plant Controller serves as the leading financial authority at the manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for overseeing all financial, accounting, and cost control functions of the plant. As a strategic business partner to the Plant Manager, the Plant Controller provides critical financial insights, operational analysis, and data-driven recommendations to optimize production efficiency, manage inventory, and drive profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

  • Direct and manage the monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close processes for the plant.
  • Prepare, analyze, and distribute accurate and timely financial statements, variance reports, and operational metrics.
  • Ensure full compliance with Corporate Accounting Policies, GAAP/IFRS, and local statutory requirements.
  • Maintain a robust internal control environment (SOX compliance where applicable) to safeguard company assets.

Cost Accounting & Operational Analysis

  • Oversee the plant's standard costing system, including regular updates to material, labor, and overhead rates.
  • Analyze manufacturing variances (purchase price variance, labor efficiency, material usage, and overhead spend) to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
  • Conduct bill of materials (BOM) audits and monitor scrap, yield, and rework costs.
  • Partner with operational teams to evaluate and track Continuous Improvement (CI) and Lean manufacturing savings.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Strategic Planning

  • Lead the development of the plant's annual operating budget and periodic financial forecasts.
  • Provide rigorous financial modeling and ROI analysis for proposed capital expenditures (CAPEX), tracking spend against approvals.
  • Identify financial risks and opportunities within plant operations and proactively advise leadership.

Inventory & Asset Control

  • Oversee inventory accounting, including cycle counting programs, physical inventory counts, and the evaluation of slow-moving or obsolete inventory (SLOB).
  • Manage the plant's fixed asset register, including depreciation tracking and physical verification of equipment.

Leadership & Collaboration

  • Lead, mentor, and develop the onsite plant accounting team.
  • Act as the primary financial liaison between plant operations and corporate finance/headquarters.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

Education & Certifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related business field (Required).
  • Professional Certification: CPA, CMA, or MBA is highly preferred.

Experience

  • Minimum of 5-8 years of progressive financial experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
  • At least 2-3 years in a supervisory or management role (e.g., Assistant Plant Controller, Senior Cost Accountant).
  • Strong background in cost accounting, standard costing systems, and variance analysis.

Technical & Soft Skills

  • ERP Systems: Proficiency in major manufacturing ERP software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, or Bullhorn/Epicor equivalents).
  • Tools: Advanced proficiency in MS Excel (data modeling, macros, VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables) and BI tools.
  • Communication: Exceptional ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights for non-financial operational leaders.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical mindset with a hands-on approach to troubleshooting floor-level operational inefficiencies.