Operations Controller — Manufacturing Cost & Inventory

GWS Tool Group; South Beloit (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

GWS Tool Group seeks a Junior Controller (Operations) to partner with the manufacturing and supply chain teams. You will translate production and cost data into actionable insights to improve cost performance, inventory accuracy, and working capital while supporting location profitability and strategic initiatives.

You will collaborate with location leaders, production, procurement, and Financial Control to investigate variances, drive corrective actions, and deliver measurable savings across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience with manufacturing cost accounting, inventory, and variance analysis.
• Experience with standard costing, inventory valuation, overhead absorption, reconciliations, and manufacturing controls.
• Advanced Excel and ERP data analysis experience; Infor Visual ERP preferred.
• Strong ability to translate financial results into actionable guidance for operations.

Responsibilities

• Analyze material, labor, and overhead costs by location, product, or process to identify drivers and opportunities for improvement.
• Investigate variances against standard cost, budgets, and forecasts; explain material usage, price, and efficiency variances.
• Partner with plant leaders to validate findings, implement corrective actions, and track savings.
• Review costing inputs (bills of material, routings, labor rates, overhead methods) and coordinate updates.
• Develop KPIs and reporting for productivity, scrap, capacity, and inventory performance.

Skills

Cost accounting

Financial analysis

Manufacturing experience

ERP data analysis

Advanced Excel

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Infor Visual ERP

Job description

GWS Tool Group seeks a Junior Controller (Operations) to partner with the manufacturing and supply chain teams. You will translate production and cost data into actionable insights to improve cost performance, inventory accuracy, and working capital while supporting location profitability and strategic initiatives.

You will collaborate with location leaders, production, procurement, and Financial Control to investigate variances, drive corrective actions, and deliver measurable savings across