Assistant Plant Controller

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package available

Be Well programs

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a Plant Controller to direct accounting support for the production facility. The role covers cost accounting, inventory control, payroll, and accounts payable, with responsibility for plant financial reports and internal controls.

Key functions include maintaining cost accounting accuracy, preparing performance analyses, and ensuring GAAP and SOX compliance while collaborating with operations to drive efficiency and value. Travel up to 10% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field; 3 years of professional accounting experience and/or training.
• Experience acting as a lead by providing training, coaching, or mentoring to less experienced staff or by managing a process or project.
• Knowledge of Accounting software, Inventory software, manufacturing software, and advanced Excel Pivot Tables.

Responsibilities

• Directs accounting support for the production facility, including cost accounting, inventory control, accounts payable, payroll, and billing.
• Prepares plant financial and other control reports; analyzes operating performance and unusual items in financial reports.
• Maintains ledgers for manufacturing, inventory and finished goods; reconciles balances per policy; ensures SOX compliance.
• Audit payroll distribution; reviews general ledger accounts monthly for accuracy; supports internal controls.

Skills

SAP experience

Cost accounting

GAAP knowledge

Leadership

Excel Pivot Tables

Financial reporting

Inventory management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team training

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Your Opportunity

Have a seat at our table.

When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet.

With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

This position supports the plant controller in directing the accounting support to the production facility. Responsibilities include cost accounting, inventory control, accounts payable, payroll, billing, and preparation of plant financial and other control reports.

Supports the maintenance of manufacturing, inventory and finished goods ledgers and cost accounting activities. Compiles and analyzes operating performance reports. Prepares and analyzes unusual items on financial reports.

Core Responsibilities

Operations Teamwork

Participates in plant management meetings as well as core product review meetings; assists plant management in preparation of quarterly review graphs and routine items; assists in preparing materials for meetings; assists plant management in operations improvement activities; provides SAP, ADC and other related system training and support; proactively identify opportunities that can make a contribution outside traditional sphere of influence; works actively with purchasing and maintenance departments to reduce inventory balances and free up capital.

Controllership

Responsible for the protection of company assets (meat, packaging, maintenance supplies, fixed assets, etc.); ensures inventory results and balances are reconciled and valued accurately per corporate policy; ensures compliance with SOX and annual internal auditing; responsible for Internal Order (IO) administration (capital and expense projects); adheres to GAAP; audit payroll distribution and routinely reviews general ledger accounts to ensure consistency and accuracy (at least monthly).

Cost Accounting

Administers the bill of materials audits and corrections as well as creating and deleting and BOM’s; distributes material and labor variances to plant personnel on a daily basis; reports variances to plant and corporate personnel monthly; reports monthly to corporate slow moving inventory; spends time on production floor in order to enhance understanding of processes; reports general ledger entries by 1st preliminary cutoff.

Human Resource Management

Effectively communicate with staff; manage staff performance; develop staff and cross train; and manage overtime.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field and 3 years of professional accounting experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience acting as a lead by providing training, coaching, or mentoring to less expereinced staff or though managing a process or project.
• Knowledge of Accounting software, Contact Management systems, Inventory software, manufacturing software, and Microsoft Office, specifically advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel including use of Pivot Tables and analytical tools.
• Strong leadership skills and solid understanding of cost accounting concepts.
• SAP experience, preferred.
• Solid mathematical and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Requires flexibility and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Must be able to travel up to 10% of the time.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Provides leadership and guidance to employees in the Accounting Department.

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and assisting in providing appropriate resolutions.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The majority of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant.

The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.

Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.

Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Frequently required to sit; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

Relocation Package Available Yes

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

About Smithfield

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people.

"Good food. Responsibly.®" is more than just our tagline; it's what we do.

We provide good jobs.

We take good care of our animals.

We are good stewards of the environment.

We do good in our local communities.

Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers.

Benefits and Development

• Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost.
• These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more.
• Our company invests in your future.
• We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential.
• Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on‑demand courses, professional certificates, and skill‑based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs.
• Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high‑potential talent.
• We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.

Company Profile

Headquartered inSmithfield, Virginia,since 1936,Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products.

With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world.

For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.

We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities.

Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others.

For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.