Plant Controller

Graham Packaging ‚Ä¢ Modesto, CA ‚Ä¢ Full Time ‚Ä¢ $81,500–$122,300 / year

Posted on Fri, Aug 7, 2026

Company Statement

Graham Packaging is a people, planet and values-based company and a leader in sustainable packaging manufacturing. From the kitchen to the laundry room, Graham Packaging is part of your everyday life.
For employees at Graham, our Blue Culture is part of their everyday lives, too. In other words, Blue is how we do things here.
At Graham, we are united by a clear vision. We know our part and help those around us know theirs, encouraging one another to continuously improve. We create a safe, challenging environment to innovate by supporting creative ideas and new ways of thinking. We take the initiative to cultivate our individual growth and help others do the same, while keeping ourselves and one another accountable. And we actively promote cooperation, collaboration, integrity and respect across regions and teams to foster an engaged, diverse and connected workforce.
We value our employees, and a Blue Culture allows for the most rewarding employee experience as part of the Graham family. Blue is how we feel about what we do—together—to create a better tomorrow. Working at Graham means you lead constructively with clear goals, use diverse thinking to drive excellence, accountability, innovation, as well as demonstrating collaboration, embracing learning, and taking action for continuous improvement and growth.

Overview

The Company

Graham Packaging Company is a global leader in the design, manufacture and sale of value added, custom blow-moulded plastic containers used for packaging branded food and beverages, personal care and household products, chemicals and lubricants. With annual sales of over $2 billion and over 80 manufacturing plants around the world, the company is a clear market leader in nearly every market segment in which they operate.

The Role

The Plant Controller will report directly to the Regional Controller and will have responsibilities for the Modesto plant location specifically:

Responsible for the monthly closing process, analytical review of plant financial statements as well as forecasting and budgeting at the plant level
Review and analyze data to identify actual plant manufacturing results versus established objectives
Provide support to develop and track additional cost savings opportunities and monitor progress of current initiatives
Collaborate with senior level business unit professionals to provide insightful, data-driven analysis and support
Other responsibilities as needed

This role is segmented into 3 main themes – Insight, Control and Planning & Reporting.

Insight

Identify key performance metrics that impact conversion costs and work with operations on reduction opportunities
Analyze conversion costs and productivity of the plant to drive operational improvement in focused areas; fully support A3 process and initiatives; drive A3 reporting requirements within the plant
Provide financial leadership for capital management, including working with the manufacturing organization to prepare financial analysis related to cost savings & maintenance projects (“AFEs”)
Drive team to utilize forecast data to drive actions in the plant with flexibility in spending, manning and overall structure
Key participant in other plant lead team support initiatives and other plant functions such as safety, quality, etc.
Evaluate and analyze plant profitability at a SKU or mold level
Educate and train staff on plant financials, spend tracking, and operational levers.
Assist Plant Managers when vacancies exist in other areas

Control

External/Internal audit support
Monitoring of standard costs for accuracy
Assist in the management of the physical inventory audit process
Implement and ensure compliance of internal financial & operational controls and procedures and SOX related requirements (Building Blocks)
Inventory control focused on eliminating monthly physical count variances, reduction of slow moving/obsolete write offs; managing inventory on a FIFO basis; coordinating a successful annual tagged physical inventory
Control and maintenance of fixed asset inventory to include annual fixed asset audit

Planning & Reporting

Responsible for financial closing process for assigned plant manufacturing locations

Scorekeeper of Daily Trackers for labor and variable spend; ensure team has the tools and training to track their spend on a daily basis to optimize performance
Work with Plant lead team to develop annual plant operating budget and management presentation, monthly forecast updates and full year forecasts
Analysis of monthly operating variances with explanations to plant team and executive leadership
Provide day to day financial and operational support
Perform manufacturing variance analysis
Responsible for developing plant standard costing
Review and approve product standard costs reasonableness and correlation to plant operations
Assist management with financial analysis or special projects

The standard compensation for this role is $81,500 - $122,300. Salary offers will be determined based on final candidate qualifications, experience, skillset, and other relevant factors.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

BS/BA Required preferably in Accounting or Business
8+ years Accounting/Finance Experience, preferably in a manufacturing industry.
Must be highly proficient with Microsoft Applications
Experience with SAP, Business Information Warehouse and HFM desirable.
Excellent analytical, data-manipulation, problem solving, and communication skills
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Strong problem solving skills with the ability to seek resources as needed

Compensation Statement

The expected salary range for the position described in this posting is made in accordance with the legal mandates of certain jurisdictions within the United States. The final agreed-upon compensation is based on individual qualifications and experience.

Benefits Statement

Benefits include medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in the company’s 401K Employee Saving Plan and may participate in its Employee Wellness Program. Employees will also receive paid time off in accordance with company policy and state law requirements.

EEO Disclaimer

Graham Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, religion, creed, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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