Area Controller – Manufacturing

Area Controller – Manufacturing (Prepared & Specialty Foods)

Location: Franklin Park, IL or South End of Charlotte, NC
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Travel: Not required
Direct Hire Opportunity - FTE

We are seeking an experienced Area Controller to oversee accounting and financial operations across three manufacturing locations. This is a key leadership role responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting, internal controls, and supporting operational decision-making.

The ideal candidate will bring hands-on plant accounting experience, a strong understanding of manufacturing operations, and the ability to lead accounting teams across multiple sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting and financial operations for three manufacturing facilities.
• Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Review and reconcile monthly balance-sheet accounts.
• Ensure the accuracy of system-generated financial and operational reports.
• Prepare and present financial reports, business trends, and performance analysis to leadership.
• Partner with plant managers and operational leaders to identify opportunities for improved financial performance.
• Lead monthly and quarterly forecasting and annual budgeting activities.
• Analyze budget-to-actual results and clearly explain financial variances.
• Review standard costs and coordinate quarterly and annual updates.
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors.
• Support ad hoc financial projects, presentations, and business initiatives.
• Identify and implement process improvements that increase financial accuracy and efficiency.
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting staff located across multiple manufacturing facilities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• At least five years of plant accounting and financial-close experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience overseeing financial activities across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, standard costing, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and the operational factors that affect financial performance.
• Experience managing or developing accounting team members.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills.
• Experience with D365, IQMS, and OneStream.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA, CPA, or CMA designation.
• Experience partnering directly with plant leadership, sales teams, and senior executives.
• Experience improving accounting processes and strengthening internal controls.

Interview Process

1. 30-minute recruiter conversation
2. One-hour video interview with the hiring manager
3. One-hour panel interview, which may be conducted onsite