Assistant Plant Controller

Adecco; Manchester (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Adecco is seeking an experienced Assistant Controller for an automotive manufacturing operation in Manchester, MI. This hands-on finance role supports day-to-day accounting, financial reporting, forecasting, and internal controls on the plant floor and in the office.

The ideal candidate will lead month-end close, manage GL activities such as AR, AP, inventory, fixed assets, intercompany transactions, and SOX compliance, with opportunities to grow into Plant Controller in the next year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on accounting/finance experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Automotive manufacturing experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Oversee plant accounting functions including AR, AP, inventory, fixed assets, intercompany transactions, accruals, and cash management.
• Manage month-end close activities and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Support SOX controls and internal audits.
• Identify cost-saving and continuous improvement opportunities across finance and manufacturing operations.

Skills

Financial reporting

Budgeting

SOX/internal controls

Manufacturing accounting

Excel

Plant floor understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA/CA (preferred)

Tools

AS400

CMS

Epicor

Job description

Assistant Controller – Automotive Manufacturing - NO SPONSORSHIP - MUST BE US CITIZEN

Location: Manchester, MI

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Our client is seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to join their established automotive manufacturing operation in Manchester, MI. This position will play a key role in supporting the overseeing day-to-day accounting activities, financial reporting, forecasting, internal controls, and plant-level cost improvement initiatives. This is perfect for someone who would like to grow into a Plant Controller role in the next year or so.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting/finance professional who enjoys working closely with both the finance team and manufacturing operations. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to understand the business from the plant floor through the financial statements and make a direct impact on profitability and continuous improvement. Open to a sign on bonus if relocation is necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Prepare and explain actual-to-budget/forecast variances.
• Oversee plant accounting functions including accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, fixed assets, intercompany transactions, accruals, and cash management.
• Manage month-end close activities and balance sheet account reconciliations.
• Prepare and maintain supporting documentation for financial reporting and audits.
• Assist with weekly forecasting and annual budgeting.
• Review standard and non-standard journal entries.
• Maintain and strengthen plant-level internal controls and ensure compliance with SOX requirements.
• Identify and implement cost-saving and continuous improvement initiatives across finance and manufacturing operations.
• Partner with department leaders to identify inefficiencies and opportunities related to freight, inventory, scrap, outsourced production, and other operating costs.
• Assist with inventory counts and inventory valuation.
• Support capital expenditure requests, including payback analysis and supporting documentation.
• Assist with customer quotation reviews and financial analysis.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure timely resolution of audit findings.
• Work closely with plant leadership to develop a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and their impact on financial performance.
• Provide guidance and direction to accounting/finance staff.
• Participate in quality, environmental, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on accounting/finance experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Automotive manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• CPA, CA, or other recognized accounting designation preferred but not required.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations accounting and plant finance.
• Experience with AS400; CMS or Epicor experience is a plus.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Working knowledge of SOX/internal controls; Bill 198 experience is a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take ownership, and manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable working both in an office environment and regularly on the manufacturing floor.

This is a hands-on role for someone who wants to be more than a numbers person. The successful candidate will take the initiative to understand the manufacturing operation, identify opportunities for improvement, and partner with plant leadership to improve cost, efficiency, profitability, and overall financial performance.