Dual Site Plant Controller, North & South Carolina

The Lubrizol Corporation; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus plans

401(k) match

Medical, dental & vision

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Paid holidays, vacation & parental le

Flexible work environment

Learning & development

Career growth

Inclusive culture

Job summary

The Lubrizol Corporation in Gastonia, NC, invites a Plant Controller to lead the financial performance of our manufacturing operations in Gastonia and Spartanburg. You will partner with plant leadership to drive budgeting, forecasting, and cost controls across sites, ensuring accurate GAAP reporting and strong internal controls.

You will manage monthly closes, absorption accounting, variances, and capital planning while mentoring finance professionals and leveraging SAP to enhance reporting and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 7+ years of finance or accounting experience, including 3+ years in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience using SAP within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of absorption accounting principles and manufacturing cost accounting.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, inventory accounting, and financial reporting.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to partner with plant management, engineering, and production personnel.
• Proven self-starter with strong teamwork and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial leadership and strategic support to plant management, engineering, and production teams.
• Prepare, analyze, and present detailed financial reports and business insights to senior leadership.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and cost management activities across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Ensure GAAP compliance, company policies, and internal controls.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives, process improvements, and operational efficiencies.
• Manage monthly close activities, reporting processes, and absorption accounting practices.
• Utilize SAP to improve financial processes, data quality, and reporting capabilities.
• Review production variances, purchase price variances, inventory adjustments, and key plant metrics.
• Lead annual operating expense budgeting, forecasting, labor and overhead rate development, and capital planning.
• Oversee inventory controls, cycle counts, annual inventories, and standard cost analysis.
• Mentor and develop finance professionals while partnering with plant leadership.

Skills

Financial leadership

GAAP knowledge

Manufacturing cost accounting

Budgeting & forecasting

Variance analysis

SAP experience

MS Office

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

SAP

Job description

Shape the Future with Us.

At Lubrizol, we’re bringing to life the chemistry behind clean water, efficient transportation, reliable infrastructure, critical medicines, and the products people rely on every day through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion.

Shape the Future with Us.

At Lubrizol, we’re bringing to life the chemistry behind clean water, efficient transportation, reliable infrastructure, critical medicines, and the products people rely on every day through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion.

How You’ll Make An Impact

As a Plant Controller, you’ll be at the forefront of our operations finance organization, driving financial performance, operational excellence, and strategic decision-making across manufacturing operations in Gastonia, North Carolina and Spartanburg, South Carolina. You’ll collaborate with plant leadership, engineering, production, and finance teams to deliver sustainable solutions that improve efficiency, strengthen controls, and support business growth. In this role, you will:

• Provide financial leadership and strategic support to plant management, engineering, and production teams.
• Prepare, analyze, and present detailed financial reports and business insights to senior leadership.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and cost management activities across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), company policies, and internal control requirements.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives, process improvements, and operational efficiencies through cross-functional collaboration.
• Manage monthly financial close activities, reporting processes, and absorption accounting practices.
• Utilize SAP to improve financial processes, data quality, and reporting capabilities.
• Review production variances, purchase price variances, inventory adjustments, and key plant performance metrics.
• Lead annual operating expense budgeting, forecasting activities, labor and overhead rate development, and capital planning processes.
• Oversee inventory controls, cycle counts, annual physical inventories, and standard cost analysis activities.
• Mentor and develop finance professionals while serving as a trusted business partner to plant leadership.

Required Qualifications That Enable Your Success

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of finance or accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience using SAP within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of absorption accounting principles and manufacturing cost accounting.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, inventory accounting, and financial reporting.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively partner with plant management, engineering teams, and production personnel.
• Proven self-starter with strong teamwork and leadership capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications That Drive You Forward

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and/or Master of Business Administration (MBA).
• Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with zero-based budgeting initiatives.
• Experience leading and developing finance professionals.

Your Work Environment

Role

At Lubrizol, we’re committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where you can do your best work—whether in a lab, on the production floor, or in a hybrid office setting. Depending on your role, your work environment may include:

• Standing, walking, or operating equipment for extended periods
• Working in a lab or manufacturing setting with appropriate PPE provided
• Use of computers and digital tools in an office or hybrid environment
• Occasional lifting or movement of materials
• Adherence to rigorous safety protocols and ergonomic standards

We continuously invest in our facilities and technologies to ensure they support your well-being, productivity, and growth. If you require reasonable accommodation, we are committed to working with you to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.

Benefits That Empower You

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus plans
• 401(k) match + Age-Weighted Defined Contribution
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave
• Flexible work environment
• Learning and development opportunities
• Career and professional growth
• Inclusive culture and vibrant community engagement

Learn more at https://benefits.lubrizol.com/!

Lubrizol: Imagined for Life. Enabled by Science.

Delivered by You.

For nearly 100 years, The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has been at the forefront of innovation to enhance everyday life, advance mobility, and make the modern world work better. Our specialty chemistry solutions-from engine oils, performance coatings, and skincare to medical devices and plumbing systems -are powered by the expertise, passion, and commitment of people like you. We tackle the world’s toughest challenges with science-based solutions, deeply understanding our customers to deliver innovative chemistry and differentiated value.

Our inclusive culture, dedication to safety, and incredible global talent drive our success. Our solutions meet the evolving needs of the modern world- brought to life by science and, most importantly, delivered by you. Whether you’re in the lab, on the production floor, or in the office, you’ll be part of a team around the world that empowers you to think boldly, drive results, and contribute to solutions that shape a better, more sustainable future.

We win because of you. Let’s build the future together.