Assistant Plant Controller

Jbs Usa Inc.; Perry (IA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Career advancement

Inclusive culture

Job summary

JBS Prepared Foods USA in Perry, IA, is seeking an Assistant Plant Controller to provide critical financial support to plant operations. You will handle cost accounting, budgeting, reporting, and internal controls to drive profitability and efficiency.

The role reports to the Plant Controller and requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting with 3–5 years of manufacturing experience. Proficiency in Excel and SAP/ERP is preferred, with strong analytical and communication skills essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required; CPA or CMA preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing or food processing.
• Knowledge of cost accounting, budgeting, internal controls, and GAAP principles.

Responsibilities

• Financial Analysis & Cost Accounting: track materials, WIP, finished goods, and packaging inventory.
• Monitor labor and overhead allocations; ensure accurate standard costing and variance analysis.
• Assist in setting and reviewing standard costs for all SKUs.
• Prepare journal entries and reconciliations for month-end close processes.
• Generate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for plant and corporate review.
• Explain P&L variances related to volume, price, mix, and efficiency.
• Support development of annual plant budgets and quarterly forecasts (ZBB).
• Prepare financial models to project operational results and track against budgets.
• Monitor cycle counts and assist with physical inventories for materials and spare parts.
• Ensure compliance with accounting procedures and internal controls.

Skills

Financial analysis

Variance analysis

Cross-functional

Excel proficiency

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

CPA or CMA preferred

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Office Suite

Job description

Description

Job Title: Assistant Plant Controller

Location: Perry, IA – Sow Harvest & Sausage Processing Facility

Reports To: Plant Controller

FLSA Status: Exempt

Our Company, Your Opportunity

JBS Prepared Foods is a company with an 80-year history of providing high quality, great tasting sausage, sliced meats, bacon, ham, and ribs. JBS Prepared Foods (formerly Plumrose and Swift Prepared Foods) was acquired by JBS, the world’s leading provider of beef, chicken, and pork, with a vision of building the company as a leader in Protein Centric Prepared Foods.

Our Mission

To be THE BEST in all we do. We are completely focused on our business, ensuring the BEST products and services to our customers, a relationship of trust with our suppliers and profitability for our shareholders. All this, we do to provide an opportunity for a better future for all our TEAM MEMBERS.

Values

Position Summary

The Assistant Plant Controller provides critical financial support to the plant and serves as a key link between plant operations and corporate finance. This position is responsible for cost accounting, inventory tracking, budgeting, and financial analysis to help drive operational efficiency and profitability. Working under the leadership of the Plant Controller, the Assistant Plant Controller contributes to accurate reporting, strong internal controls, and effective decision-making processes for the sow harvest and sausage production operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Analysis & Cost Accounting
• Support all cost accounting activities, including tracking raw materials, WIP, finished goods, and packaging inventory.
• Monitor labor and overhead allocations to ensure accurate standard costing and variance analysis.
• Assist in setting and reviewing standard costs for all SKUs.
• Reporting & Month-End Close
• Prepare journal entries and reconciliations for month-end close processes.
• Assist in generating monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for plant and corporate review.
• Provide explanation of P&L variances related to volume, price, mix, and operational efficiency.
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Support development of annual plant budgets and quarterly forecasts, including zero-based budgeting (ZBB) practices.
• Prepare financial models to project operational results and assist in tracking against approved budgets.
• Inventory & Internal Controls
• Monitor plant cycle counts and assist with full physical inventories for raw materials, finished goods, and spare parts.
• Ensure strict compliance with accounting procedures and internal control standards.
• Conduct audits of fixed assets and inventory on a periodic basis.
• Cross-Functional Support
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, quality, and procurement teams to manage financial impacts of plant activities.
• Provide financial insight into cost reduction initiatives and assist with performance tracking of savings opportunities.
• Serve as backup approver for plant purchase requisitions and validate accurate cost center/GL coding.
• Other Duties
• Offer guidance to clerical staff on accounting procedures, assist in training and process improvements.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects for financial process efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Plant Controller or Plant Management.

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.

Skills And Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or CMA preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing or food processing environment.
• Knowledge of cost accounting, budgeting, internal controls, and GAAP principles.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office Suite; SAP or ERP experience strongly preferred.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities for working cross-functionally.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Occasional exposure to production environments may include hot, cold, wet, and humid conditions.
• Office-based with frequent plant floor visits for inventory and audit verification.
• Noise levels moderate to high in production areas.
• Must be able to perform essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation.

Why Join JBS USA?

As The World’s Largest Protein Company, JBS USA Provides a Dynamic, People-focused Environment Where You Can Make a Real Impact. We Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• Opportunities for career advancement within a global organization
• A collaborative and innovative culture committed to safety, inclusion, and continuous improvement

JBS Prepared Foods USA is an equal opportunity employer.

EOE/Vet/Disabled