Manufacturing Plant Controller

Manufacturing Plant Controller 

Reports to: Plant General Manager (dotted line to VP Finance) 

Position Summary 

The Plant Controller serves as the senior financial leader at the manufacturing facility and a key member of the plant leadership team. This role drives financial performance, operational profitability, cost discipline, and internal control excellence. The Controller partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, and Sales to improve margins, optimize working capital, and support strategic growth initiatives. 

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for plant-level financial management, standard cost accounting, forecasting, compliance, and business decision support. 

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy 

• Serve as strategic advisor to the Plant General Manager on financial performance, risk management, capital allocation, and profitability improvement. 

• Translate operational performance into financial impact and actionable insight. 

• Lead financial modeling and ROI analysis for capital investments and continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Dynamic team leader skilled at motivating a team and effectively prioritizing tasks to drive results 

Cost Accounting & Operational Finance 

• Own and maintain the standard cost system including: 

• Labor, material, and overhead standards 

• PPV and manufacturing variance analysis 

• Absorption analysis 

• Inventory valuation and reserves 

• Analyze scrap, yield, labor efficiency, throughput, and overhead utilization. 

• Drive cost reduction initiatives and margin improvement strategies. 

• Partner with Operations to identify and execute productivity improvements. 

Budgeting, Forecasting & Reporting 

• Lead annual operating plan and rolling forecast processes. 

• Provide monthly performance analysis including: 

• Variance analysis (price, volume, mix, labor, overhead) 

• Margin by product/customer 

• Working capital trends 

• Deliver accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with GAAP. 

• Develop KPI dashboards aligned to plant performance objectives. 

Working Capital & Asset Management 

• Monitor and optimize inventory levels, accuracy, and turns. 

• Oversee cycle count processes and fixed asset controls. 

• Improve cash flow through disciplined AR, AP, and inventory management. 

• Ensure strong internal controls in compliance with SOX requirements. 

Compliance & Controls 

• Serve as site lead for internal and external audits. 

• Ensure adherence to GAAP, SOX, and corporate policies. 

• Strengthen internal control environment and drive continuous process improvement. 

Leadership & Team Development 

• Lead and develop plant accounting staff. 

• Establish performance expectations and accountability standards. 

• Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and operational excellence. 

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Accounting or Finance. 

• 8–10 years progressive accounting/finance experience. 

• 3–5 years in a manufacturing environment with full plant-level financial responsibility. 

• Strong standard cost accounting experience. 

• Deep understanding of GAAP and SOX. 

• Strong command of Microsoft Excel. 

Preferred 

• CPA and/or MBA. 

• Experience with ERP systems in a manufacturing environment. 

• Experience in public company reporting environment. 

Key Competencies 

• Strong operational finance mindset 

• Strategic thinker with hands-on execution capability 

• Data-driven decision maker 

• Continuous improvement orientation 

• Ability to influence plant leadership 

• High ethical standards and control discipline 

• Dynamic team leader with ability to motivate and prioritize