Plant Controller – Manufacturing Finance Leader

 Job Description:

On-Site $135,000 – $165,000 | 15% Bonus | 6%+ 401(k) Match | Full Benefits

The Opportunity

A well-established manufacturer of industrial power transmission and marine propulsion equipment is adding a Plant Controller to lead all financial operations at its Santa Fe Springs facility. You'll serve as the senior finance leader on-site, partnering directly with the General Manager to drive plant profitability, support long-term contract programs, and ensure the integrity of all financial reporting. This is a high-visibility role with direct influence on strategic decision-making and site performance.

Your Day-to-Day

• Partner with the General Manager and plant leadership to drive operational and financial performance objectives
• Lead and develop the on-site finance team across general accounting, cost accounting, inventory accounting, and financial reporting
• Manage all aspects of Percentage-of-Completion (POC) accounting for government and marine contract programs, including journal entries, reconciliations, forecasting, and margin analysis
• Own the month-end close process, ensuring accurate, timely reporting in compliance with US GAAP and company policy
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning processes — operating budgets, CapEx, working capital, and cash flow
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls across P&L, balance sheet, inventory, and capital expenditures
• Coordinate internal audits, external financial audits, SOX compliance, and government contract compliance reviews
• Develop annual manufacturing burden rates and support facility-wide costing initiatives
• Lead physical inventory processes and cycle count programs to drive inventory accuracy
• Deliver financial performance reviews and management reporting packages to site and corporate leadership
• Support contract negotiations with customers and suppliers through financial analysis and business case development
• Prepare CapEx analyses and investment justifications for strategic initiatives

What We're Looking For

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related business discipline
• 8+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP, SOX compliance, and internal controls
• Hands-on manufacturing accounting, cost accounting, and inventory accounting experience

Preferred

• CPA or CMA certification
• Percentage-of-Completion (POC) / ASC 606 accounting experience — strongly preferred given the nature of long-term government and aerospace/defense contract programs
• Experience supporting government contracts, defense programs, or regulated manufacturing environments
• Proficiency with large ERP systems; Epicor and OneStream experience a plus

Ready to Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior finance leadership role at a thriving manufacturer with a strong presence in aerospace, defense, and marine markets. If you bring deep manufacturing accounting expertise and experience navigating complex long-term contract accounting, we want to hear from you.

Submit your resume through Great Bay Staffing — your information will never be shared without your explicit permission.

  Required Skills:

Strategic Initiatives Resume Defense Capex Transmission Inventory Support Capital Development Balance Journal Entries Balance Sheet Operations Analysis ERP Compliance Internal Controls Cash Flow Reviews Government Decision-Making Financial Reporting Financial Analysis Cash Forecasting Manufacturing Budgeting Strategic Planning Suppliers Accounting Finance Planning Business Leadership Management