Financial Controller

Judge Direct Placement; Nebraska; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Our manufacturing client seeks a Plant Controller to lead plant financials, oversee cost accounting, GL, inventory, fixed assets, and internal controls. Partner with General Manager to monitor KPIs and drive efficiencies while ensuring GAAP compliance.

The role requires CPA/CMA preferred, 5+ years in manufacturing finance, Plex ERP experience, and advanced Excel skills. It also calls for leadership of the accounting team and coordination of audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA preferred.
• 5+ years of financial controlling/accounting experience in a high-volume manufacturing facility.
• Proficient with manufacturing ERP software; Plex ERP experience highly desirable.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel capabilities and deep knowledge of cost accounting standards and GAAP.
• Experience with turnaround management, lean manufacturing concepts, or continuous improvement initiatives is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage the monthly plant closing process, GL transactions, subledgers, balance sheet reconciliations, and journal entries in compliance with GAAP.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, variance analyses, and operational performance reports for leadership.
• Develop, track, and deploy KPIs to drive site performance relative to budget and forecast targets.
• Counsel department heads on spending, cost containment, and operational risks.
• Maintain and optimize standard/actual cost systems for inventory, BOMs, and purchased components.

Skills

Cost accounting

GAAP knowledge

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA or CMA preferred

Tools

Plex ERP

Excel

Job description

Oue client is searching for a Plant Controller who will serve as the primary financial leader for the manufacturing facility. This operational and hands‑on leadership role oversees all aspects of plant financial processes, cost accounting, general ledger maintenance, inventory control, fixed asset management, and internal controls. Working closely with the General Manager and plant leadership, the Plant Controller acts as a key strategic partner to monitor plant KPIs, drive operational efficiencies, manage production costs/variances, and ensure compliance with GAAP and corporate policies.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the monthly plant closing process, general ledger transactions, subledgers, balance sheet reconciliations, and journal entries in compliance with GAAP.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, variance analyses, and operational performance reports for the General Manager and corporate leadership.
• Develop, track, and deploy key plant operating metrics (KPIs) to drive site performance relative to budget and forecast targets.
• Counsel plant department heads on spending, cost containment, and potential operational risks.
• Maintain and optimize standard/actual cost systems for purchased inventory, manufactured components, sub‑assemblies, and bill of materials (BOMs).
• Collaborate closely with the Materials and Logistics departments to evaluate scrap, scrap recovery, material usage variance (MUV), and labor/overhead efficiency variances.
• Oversee physical inventory counts and cycle counting processes, reconciling results to the general ledger and resolving root‑cause discrepancies.
• Review, approve, and record capital expenditures (CapEx) and fixed assets, setting up appropriate depreciation schedules per corporate guidelines.
• Oversee customer tooling accounting, tracking customer purchase orders, expenditures, and timely tooling cost recovery.
• Direct and supervise the plant accounting team (e.g., Staff Accountants, AP/AR Specialists).
• Ensure robust internal financial controls are implemented to safeguard plant assets and prevent unauthorized use or fraud.
• Reconcile intercompany accounts and coordinate internal and external audit requirements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA or CMA preferred).
• 5+ years of financial controlling/accounting experience within a high-volume manufacturing facility.
• Proficient with manufacturing ERP software (experience with Plex ERP is highly desirable).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel capabilities (data modeling, lookup formulas, pivot tables) and deep knowledge of cost accounting standards and GAAP.
• Experience with turnaround management, lean manufacturing concepts, or continuous improvement initiatives is a strong plus.