Plant Controller

Plant Controller

Salary: $88,500–$110,000 DOE
Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Paid Holidays.

Location: Plain Dealing, LA
Employment Type: Direct-Hire (Full-Time)
Schedule: Monday–Friday; occasional extended hours and weekend work may be required to support month-end close and reporting deadlines.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Plant Controller to lead all accounting and financial activities for a manufacturing operation. This role serves as the senior financial leader on-site and works closely with operational management to monitor costs, analyze production performance, support budgeting and forecasting, and ensure compliance with corporate policies and accounting standards.

The Plant Controller will play a key role in improving profitability, maintaining strong internal controls, and providing actionable financial insights to support operational decision-making.

Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting & Accounting

• Oversee daily accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, payroll reconciliations, and fixed assets.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and corporate reporting standards.
• Maintain cost accounting systems for raw materials, production processes, and finished goods.
• Reconcile inventory and ensure accurate valuation of raw materials, work-in-process, and finished inventory.
• Review production, yield, and downtime information to assess financial impact.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and audit requirements.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis

• Lead the annual budgeting process and prepare ongoing forecasts.
• Analyze actual financial performance compared to budget and prior periods.
• Identify cost drivers, operational trends, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop standard costing models, financial dashboards, and management reports.
• Provide financial guidance on pricing, capital investments, and efficiency initiatives.

Operational Partnership

• Collaborate with plant leadership to improve cost control, productivity, and operational performance.
• Participate in production and management meetings to align financial results with plant activities.
• Train managers on budget accountability and financial performance metrics.
• Serve as the primary on-site contact for corporate finance, auditors, and internal stakeholders.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure adherence to GAAP, corporate policies, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Review payroll and labor allocations for accuracy and compliance.
• Support reporting related to safety, environmental, and sustainability initiatives.
• Maintain documentation and readiness for internal and external audits.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required; CPA or CMA is preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressive accounting experience is required; Manufacturing or industrial accounting experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory control, and financial analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems such as Sage, SAP, UKG, or similar.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a hands-on, fast-paced production environment.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Primarily based in an on-site office within a manufacturing facility; however, regular interaction with production, maintenance, and yard operations is required.
• The Controller must be comfortable entering production areas to review inventory, observe processes, or collaborate with supervisors.
• Exposure to industrial areas with varying temperatures, loud noise, dust, and heavy equipment movement may occur. 
• Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated areas including safety glasses, hearing protection, and high-visibility vests. 
• The role requires frequent sitting, occasional standing and walking, and periodic movement through uneven terrain in production areas.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Frequent use of computers, calculators, and standard office equipment required.

If you are a results-driven accounting leader with strong manufacturing finance experience and a passion for operational excellence, we encourage you to apply today.