Controller

Domtar; Calhoun (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Domtar is seeking a Controller at our Calhoun, TN location. This salaried exempt role leads financial close, cost accounting, budgeting, and reporting for a manufacturing facility.

You will drive cost control, operational financial analysis, and strategic planning in collaboration with plant leadership. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of manufacturing finance experience, a Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance, and possibly a CPA/CMA/MBA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
• CPA, CMA, or MBA is preferred.
• At least 5 years of progressive accounting and finance experience in manufacturing.
• Prior supervisory or management experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead all monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities.
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow).
• Perform variance analysis against budget, forecast, and prior year results.
• Maintain and improve plant costing systems and analyze manufacturing costs.
• Coordinate annual budgeting and periodic forecasting with department managers.
• Ensure compliance with policies, accounting standards and internal controls; support audits.
• Lead and develop Cost Accountant(s) and collaborate with operations and plant leadership.

Skills

Cost accounting

Manufacturing analysis

Financial reporting

Variance analysis

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Communication

Leadership/mentorship

Operational finance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA / CMA / MBA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Domtar is a leading producer of pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products. Through our focus on safety and sustainability, as well as our commitment to operational excellence and our network of facilities across Canada and the United States, Domtar delivers high-quality and cost-effective products to customers around the world.

Our workforce is comprised of 14,000 talented and hardworking individuals. We are proud to offer competitive compensation, a supportive working environment, rewarding career paths and plenty of opportunities for learning and growth.

The location in Calhoun, TN, is seeking talent to fill the position of Controller. This job is salaried exempt.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Month-End Close

• Lead all monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end closing, with a target close cycle of 4 business days.
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements, including income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow reporting.
• Perform detailed variance analysis against budget, forecast, and prior year results.
• Analyze and reconcile all balance sheet accounts.
• Prepare and review monthly journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Complete all required corporate reporting packages within established deadlines.

Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Analysis

• Maintain and improve plant costing systems and processes.
• Analyze manufacturing costs, maintenance costs, fixed costs, and direct operating costs.
• Review daily and weekly KPI cost reports and identify opportunities for cost improvement.
• Lead weekly cost control and spending review meetings with plant leadership.
• Monitor inventory valuation and reserves, including stores inventory reserve calculations.
• Coordinate monthly inventory reconciliations and annual physical inventory processes.
• Support operational teams with financial analysis related to production performance and efficiency improvements.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning

• Coordinate the annual budgeting process and periodic forecasting activities.
• Partner with department managers to develop spending plans and identify cost‑saving opportunities.
• Provide analysis and explanations for actual versus budget and actual versus forecast performance.
• Develop business cases and financial models to support capital investment decisions.
• Provide scenario analysis and operational financial support to management.

Compliance, Audit & Corporate Reporting

• Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and internal controls.
• Coordinate internal and external audit requests and provide supporting documentation.
• Manage state and local tax reporting requirements.
• Prepare year‑end reporting schedules for taxes, insurance, and corporate compliance needs.
• Support lease accounting and compliance with applicable accounting standards.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise and develop Cost Accountants and other finance team members.
• Establish performance expectations and provide coaching and mentorship.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork.
• Collaborate effectively with operations, maintenance, engineering, procurement, and corporate finance teams.
• Serve as a key member of the mill leadership team supporting safety, environmental, production, reliability, and financial objectives.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting and finance experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in tissue, paper, pulp, packaging, or other process manufacturing industries is strongly preferred.
• Prior supervisory or management experience required.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and cost drivers.
• Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence operational decision‑making through financial analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.

Direct Reports

• Cost Accountant(s) (2)

Key Success Measures

• Accurate and timely month‑end close.
• Effective cost control and variance management.
• Strong partnership with plant leadership and operations teams.
• Development and engagement of the finance team.

You will be required to successfully complete a selection process that could include interviews, an employment background check, a pre‑employment drug and alcohol screen, reference verifications, aptitude tests (for some positions), and a fitness‑for‑duty test (for some positions).

Domtar is an equal‑opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, color, sex (including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), marital status, religion, national origin, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. We are also committed to ensuring reasonable accommodations for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990.