Plant Controller

At Bel, we are not just a company—we are a company on a Mission, built on 160 years of bold innovation, family values, and a commitment to social purpose. With beloved brands like Babybel®, GoGo squeeZ®, The Laughing Cow®, and Boursin®, our snacking solutions bring more than joy; they want to serve as a force for good. Our U.S. Mission? To help close the critical 80% nutrition gap by making it easier for Americans to eat more fruits, veggies, and dairy as part of their daily lives.

The company has headquarters in Chicago and New York City and operates 4 manufacturing plants in Little Chute, WI; Brookings, SD; Traverse City, MI; and Nampa, ID.  #IWorkForAllForGood

Job Summary:

The Financial Controller plays a crucial role in managing the financial health and operational efficiency of the food manufacturing plant. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial reporting, cost control, accounting, budgeting, internal controls, analysis, and strategic planning to support the delivery of key organizational objectives. As a critical business partner, the Financial Controller works closely with plant management, operations, and corporate finance teams to ensure compliance with financial policies and regulations while driving profitability and process optimization.

Essential Functions:

Cost Control and Budgeting

• Lead the financial planning, reforecasting, and budgeting processes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts and provide variance analysis.
• Keeps track of labor cost, utilities cost, variable costs and fixed costs to compare budget/actual data.

• Implement cost control measures to reduce waste, improve cost efficiency, and enhance profitability across all operations.

Financial Analysis/Reporting

• • Produce accurate, consistent and timely statements and reporting, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, P & L, Monthly KPI reporting, and stocks report.
  • Performance variance analysis, identifies trends, and provides KPIs to applicable stakeholders.
  • Prepare and present financial reports to stakeholders.
• Lead and manage the monthly and yearly financial closing activities to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with financial policies and internal controls, as well as local and international accounting standards.
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors during financial audits, ensuring accurate reporting and minimal disruptions.
• Regularly review and document processes to identify risks and implement stronger internal controls where needed.

Strategic Business Partner/Team Leadership

• Collaborate with plant leadership and operations teams to provide financial insights that inform strategic decision-making.
• Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

• Develop and maintain financial forecasts based on historical data and market trends and provide financial expertise for plant management.
• Take proactive steps to manage operational risks, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory standards.
• Support inventory processes, participate to optimize stock levels and reduce costs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the plant finance team to ensure a high-performing and engaged workforce.
• Promote cross-departmental collaboration and provide training on financial best practices for plant employees.
• Foster a culture of accountability and transparency within the finance department

Demonstrate the Company’s values and winning behaviors while adhering to all company policies and practices, including safety and environmental protocols, quality standards, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

All other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required.

• • In lieu of a degree, related certifications, relevant work experience or a combination of education, certifications, and experience may be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of Accounting or Finance experience.
• Progressive experience in leadership roles preferred.
• Strong experience in cost accounting and financial planning within a production environment. (Food Manufacturing preferred).
• In-depth knowledge of financial accounting standards (IFRS, GAAP, etc.).

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in cost accounting principles and practices.
• Expertise in financial planning and budgeting processes.
• Strong skills in financial analysis and reporting.
• Advanced proficiency in financial software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP systems) and Microsoft Excel.
  • Power BI and Power Query a plus
• Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal and the ability to work collaboratively both internally and externally.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into strategic insights.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Work is performed largely in an office environment and on the manufacturing plant floor.
• Hours of work will generally be during regular business hours with at least 40 hours a week. At times there will be some variation in work hours due to special projects, deadlines and other concerns.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Must be able to travel intermittently via airplane within the U.S. and internationally 10%
• Occasional exposure to loud machinery or equipment.
• Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Bel Brands is an equal employment opportunity employer. The Company’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Bel Brands also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also Bel Brand’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Disclaimer

This job description provides a general overview of the position, it is not a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Employees may perform additional functions as needed. The company reserves the right to modify this job description at any time, reflecting business needs. Employees must satisfactorily perform essential functions and physical requirements/working conditions with or without reasonable accommodation. The company will accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities where feasible, provided such accommodation does not impose undue hardship.

Bel Brands is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Bel Brands also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also Bel Brand’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Bel Brands is committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting people with disabilities and veterans. If you need an accommodation or assistance in using the website, please call 312-462-1500.

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