Controller

Syntax Talent Solutions; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Syntax Talent Solutions, LLC is seeking a Controller to lead plant cost accounting and partner with operations to deliver actionable financial insight. The role focuses on manufacturing cost control, standard costing, and robust reporting to senior leadership.

The ideal candidate will own the monthly close, manage the general ledger, and provide detailed cost analyses to guide profitability and efficiency initiatives within a production environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the month-end close process for the plant, including journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations.
• Oversee general ledger activity to ensure accuracy and compliance with policies.
• Develop, maintain, and analyze product costing, standard costs, and manufacturing variances to support pricing and margin decisions.
• Monitor and report on inventory levels, valuation, and adjustments.
• Prepare and present plant-level financial statements, management reports, and variance analyses.
• Partner with plant operations to review performance metrics and cost drivers.
• Utilize advanced Excel and ERP tools to streamline reporting and data integrity.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes with detailed cost inputs for plant operations.

Skills

Cost accounting

Standard costing

Variance analysis

Month-end close

Excel proficiency

ERP system

Cost control

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA/CMA preferred

Tools

ERP system

General ledger software

Job description

Step into a pivotal leadership role where your manufacturing cost accounting expertise will directly influence plant performance and financial decision-making. This is a high-impact opportunity for an experienced accounting professional ready to own the numbers, partner with operations, and provide clear, actionable financial insight to senior leadership.

About the Role:

As Controller, you will oversee all plant accounting activities, ensuring accurate, timely financial reporting and robust cost control. You will serve as the key financial partner to operations, translating data into meaningful analysis and recommendations that drive profitability and efficiency. Your work will underpin strategic decisions, support continuous improvement, and safeguard the integrity of the plant's financial information.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the month-end close process for the plant, including journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations.
• Oversee general ledger activity to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with accounting policies.
• Develop, maintain, and analyze product costing, standard costs, and manufacturing variances to support pricing and margin decisions.
• Monitor and report on inventory levels, valuation, and adjustments, ensuring proper inventory accounting and controls.
• Prepare and present plant-level financial statements, management reports, and variance analyses to operations and finance leadership.
• Partner with plant operations to review performance metrics, identify cost drivers, and recommend actions to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Utilize advanced Excel and ERP tools to streamline reporting, improve data integrity, and enhance financial visibility.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes, providing detailed cost and financial inputs for plant operations.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting.
• 5-10 years of progressive accounting experience, including roles such as staff accountant, senior accountant, Accountant II, or plant controller.
• Strong manufacturing cost accounting experience, including standard costing and variance analysis.
• Hands-on experience with plant-level accounting, month-end close, general ledger management, and financial reporting.
• Solid understanding of inventory accounting, product costing, and manufacturing variances in a production environment.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for data analysis, modeling, and reporting.
• Experience working within an ERP system in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.

Desirable Skills:

• Prior experience as a plant controller or in a similar leadership role within manufacturing.
• Exposure to continuous improvement initiatives and cost-reduction projects.
• Experience developing and refining financial KPIs and dashboards for operations.
• Familiarity with standard costing implementation or system upgrades in an ERP environment.
• Background in supporting cross-functional teams across finance, operations, and supply chain.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting (required).
• CPA, CMA, or other relevant professional certification (preferred).
• Ongoing professional development in manufacturing accounting, cost accounting, or financial analysis (preferred).