Manufacturing Plant Controller: Boost Profit

Workforce Recruiter; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Workforce Recruiter is seeking a Plant Controller to lead the plant's financial operations within a complex manufacturing environment. The role partners with operations to drive profitability and strategic decision-making, overseeing cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance with GAAP.

You will manage the Accounting team, ensure accurate financial reporting, and guide capital investment analyses while supporting operational leaders in achieving financial and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of Controller or Plant Controller experience in manufacturing.
• Financial leadership experience in a complex manufacturing operation.
• Strong background in manufacturing accounting, standard costing, budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Experience partnering with manufacturing operations to improve financial and operational performance.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP/accounting systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial operations for the manufacturing facility, ensuring accurate, timely, and reliable financial reporting.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, performance reports, and management analysis.
• Develop the annual operating budget, business plan, and financial forecasts while monitoring performance against goals.
• Partner with Plant Leadership to provide financial guidance that supports strategic and operational decision-making.
• Analyze plant performance, manufacturing costs, and operating results to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Manage standard costing, product costing, inventory valuation, and cost control processes.
• Monitor operating expenses and recommend initiatives that improve profitability and reduce costs.
• Lead month-end and year-end close activities while ensuring accounting accuracy and compliance with corporate policies.
• Oversee physical inventory processes and maintain accurate inventory accounting and controls.
• Prepare financial analyses and business cases supporting capital investment requests and major operational initiatives.
• Optimize plant cash flow through effective financial planning and working capital management.
• Conduct internal audits and ensure compliance with corporate financial controls and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure accounting transactions are recorded accurately and in accordance with GAAP and company standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting team while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Skills

Financial leadership

Partner with operations

GAAP

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Workforce Recruiter is seeking a Plant Controller to lead the plant's financial operations within a complex manufacturing environment. The role partners with operations to drive profitability and strategic decision-making, overseeing cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance with GAAP.

You will manage the Accounting team, ensure accurate financial reporting, and guide capital investment analyses while supporting operational leaders in achieving financial and operational excellence.