Onsite Senior Plant Controller & Profitability Leader

CFS; Flint (MI); On-site; USD 160,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS is seeking a hands-on Plant Controller to lead the financial and operational performance of a $200M+ manufacturing operation in St. Joseph, Michigan.

The role partners with plant leadership to drive profitability, cost control, and long-term business health. The ideal candidate has 10+ years of progressive manufacturing finance experience, strong accounting skills, and a proven ability to translate data into actionable operational decisions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive finance/accounting experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience as a Plant Controller, Site Controller, Operations Controller, or similar senior manufacturing finance leader.
• Experience supporting a $200M+ manufacturing operation strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting, manufacturing variances, inventory, standard costing, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated business acumen and operational mindset, with the ability to understand how manufacturing decisions directly impact financial performance.
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to work effectively on the plant floor and directly with operational leadership.
• Proven ability to challenge assumptions, identify financial and operational opportunities, and translate complex financial information into actionable recommendations.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with experience partnering across Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Sales, and Executive Leadership.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA, CMA, or MBA is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial activities for a $200M+ manufacturing operation, including month-end close, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting, and financial analysis.
• Serve as a hands-on financial and operational partner to the Plant Manager and leadership team, providing insight into profitability, productivity, costs, and overall plant performance.
• Drive plant-level budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial planning, identifying trends and opportunities to improve financial results.
• Partner with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, and other functional leaders to improve labor efficiency, material costs, overhead, inventory, productivity, and operating margins.
• Own and improve plant cost accounting, including standard costs, manufacturing variances, inventory valuation, absorption, product costing, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Develop and monitor KPIs that connect financial performance to operational performance, providing leadership with clear and actionable insights.
• Lead financial analysis for capital expenditures, process improvements, productivity initiatives, and other strategic operational investments.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial controls, reporting, and accounting processes while maintaining compliance with corporate policies and procedures.
• Lead, develop, and mentor the plant finance/accounting team while establishing a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Actively participate in plant leadership discussions and help establish strategies that support profitable growth and operational performance.

Skills

Manufacturing finance

Plant Controller

Cost accounting

Financial planning

Operational leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Leadership & mentoring

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA / CMA / MBA (nice to have)

Job description

CFS is seeking a hands-on Plant Controller to lead the financial and operational performance of a $200M+ manufacturing operation in St. Joseph, Michigan.

The role partners with plant leadership to drive profitability, cost control, and long-term business health. The ideal candidate has 10+ years of progressive manufacturing finance experience, strong accounting skills, and a proven ability to translate data into actionable operational decisions.