Plant Controller

Baxter International; Batesville (IN); On-site; USD 112,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off 20–35 days

Job summary

Baxter Batesville is seeking a Plant Controller to lead the plant's end-to-end financials, standard costing, and inventory controls for a facility valued at hundreds of millions in production and inventory. You will partner with site leadership to drive cost optimization and ensure SOX compliance.

The role requires 7+ years in manufacturing finance, a finance degree (MBA preferred), and ERP proficiency. This onsite position offers competitive compensation, bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field; MBA, CMA, or CPA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive finance or accounting experience, ideally in manufacturing.
• Strong expertise in standard costing, inventory accounting, and manufacturing finance.
• Ability to influence and partner with operational leaders in a complex, matrixed org.
• Experience driving process improvements and financial accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present insights clearly.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (JDE, SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel/financial modeling.
• Leadership mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive change.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial operations for the plant, including month-, quarter-, and year-end close.
• Serve as primary financial partner to Plant Manager and site leadership.
• Oversee plant costing, standard cost updates, variance analysis, overhead allocation, inventory control.
• Lead AOP, quarterly forecasts, long-range planning, and capital project modeling.
• Analyze manufacturing metrics and drive improvements with operations.
• Maintain internal controls and SOX compliance.
• Champion process automation and standardized plant finance reporting.
• Coach plant leaders on financial literacy and accountability.

Skills

Finance leadership

Manufacturing finance

Advanced Excel

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting

MBA preferred

Tools

JDE

SAP

Oracle

Job description

This is where your work makes a difference.

At Baxter, we believe every person—regardless of who they are or where they are from—deserves a chance to live a healthy life. It was our founding belief in 1931 and continues to be our guiding principle. We are redefining healthcare delivery to make a greater impact today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Our Baxter colleagues are united by our Mission to Save and Sustain Lives. Together, our community is driven by a culture of courage, trust, and collaboration. Every individual is empowered to take ownership and make a meaningful impact. We strive for efficient and effective operations, and we hold each other accountable for delivering exceptional results.

Here, you will find more than just a job—you will find purpose and pride.

Your role at Baxter

The Plant Controller serves as the senior financial leader for our Batesville manufacturing facility, overseeing the full end‑to‑end supply chain financials and supporting the associated distribution entity. As a key member of the site leadership team, this role partners closely with the Plant Manager and operational leaders to drive performance, strengthen internal controls, and ensure financial accuracy across a $291M value of production and $97M inventory base with a workforce of 335 direct and 184 indirect employees.

The Plant Controller provides strategic financial direction, leads budgeting and forecasting, drives cost optimization, and ensures compliance with corporate and statutory requirements. Operating within a global matrix, this role collaborates with Baxter’s Finance COE, FPA, and FP&A teams.

This is an onsite role based in Batesville, IN.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead all financial operations for the plant, including month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end close, ensuring accuracy across inventory, standard costing, and COGS.
• Serve as the primary financial partner to the Plant Manager and site leadership, shaping financial strategy and influencing operational decision‑making.
• Oversee all aspects of plant costing, including standard cost updates, variance analysis, overhead allocation, and inventory control.
• Lead the annual operating plan (AOP), quarterly forecasts, long‑range planning, and financial modeling for capital projects and productivity initiatives.
• Analyze manufacturing performance metrics (labor, scrap, yield, PPV, overhead) and partner with operations to drive improvements.
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with corporate policies, SOX requirements, and local statutory regulations.
• Champion process automation, digital reporting tools, and standardization across plant finance processes.
• Coach and develop plant leaders on financial literacy while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field; MBA, CMA, or CPA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive finance or accounting experience, ideally within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong expertise in standard costing, inventory accounting, and manufacturing finance.
• Proven ability to influence and partner with operational leaders in a complex, matrixed organization.
• Demonstrated success driving process improvements, operational efficiency, and financial accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present insights clearly and challenge constructively.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (JDE, SAP, Oracle, or similar) and advanced Excel/financial modeling capabilities.
• A leadership mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities, build trust, and drive change across teams.

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. At Baxter, we are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. The estimated base salary for this position is $112,000 -$154,000. The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position. We may pay more or less than of the anticipated range based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on upon location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position is also eligible for discretionary bonuses and long-term incentive.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

US Benefits at Baxter (except for Puerto Rico)

This is where your well-being matters. Baxter offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages for eligible roles. Our health and well-being benefits include medical and dental coverage that start on day one, as well as insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance. Financial and retirement benefits include the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), with the ability to purchase company stock at a discount, and the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), with options for employee contributions and company matching. We also offer Flexible Spending Accounts, educational assistance programs, and time-off benefits such as paid holidays, paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service, family and medical leaves of absence, and paid parental leave. Additional benefits include commuting benefits, the Employee Discount Program, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and childcare benefits. Join us and enjoy the competitive compensation and benefits we offer to our employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Baxter is an equal opportunity employer. Baxter evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal