Plant OPEX Controller: Drive Cost & Performance

MSA Safety Inc.; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

MSA Safety Inc. is seeking an experienced OPEX Controller to join our hybrid UK team. The role focuses on plant cost analysis, end-of-period closes, and tight control of operating expenditures within a multinational manufacturing setting.

You will manage costing, variance analysis, and SAP-based bookkeeping while ensuring SOX controls, budgeting, and forecasting are executed accurately. A CPA/ACCA/ACCA qualification is required, with SAP experience highly valued.

Qualifications

• ACA/ACCA/CPA qualified with experience in a similar controlling role.
• ERP system experience mandatory (FICO/MM); SAP experience is advantageous.
• Experience in a multinational accounts department and manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work autonomously in a dynamic setting.

Responsibilities

• Support plant managers in all areas of plant analysis and performance improvement.
• Manage plants month/year end close process, ensuring local and international standards compliance.
• Control booking of plant operations in ERP and propose adjustments as needed.
• Perform cost analysis and explain variances to eliminate deviations from the plan.
• Provide product costing and participate in SKU optimization or cost-reduction projects.
• Support plant managers in performance analysis and improvement initiatives.
• Participate in the financial audit process and own the OPEX related part.
• Contribute to accounting and tax policy developments.
• Review and analyze main OPEX KPIs and factory cost performance monthly for EMEA management.
• Represent internal financial policies and ensure internal controls including SOX.
• Deliver accurate reporting to meet internal and external requirements.
• Prepare annual budgets and quarterly forecasts for the plants.
• Support SAP implementation projects (in Bristol Uniforms).
• And other duties in line with the job role.

Skills

Cost analysis

Variance analysis

SOX compliance

Financial reporting

Autonomy

Education

ACA/ACCA/CPA

Tools

SAP

Job description

MSA Safety Inc. is seeking an experienced OPEX Controller to join our hybrid UK team. The role focuses on plant cost analysis, end-of-period closes, and tight control of operating expenditures within a multinational manufacturing setting.

You will manage costing, variance analysis, and SAP-based bookkeeping while ensuring SOX controls, budgeting, and forecasting are executed accurately. A CPA/ACCA/ACCA qualification is required, with SAP experience highly valued.