Plant Controller

Kennametal; Bedford (Bedford County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennametal is seeking a Plant Controller in Bedford, PA, who will provide strategic financial leadership to the Plant Management team. This role involves developing financial forecasts, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and delivering operational and financial objectives.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting, 5–8 years of finance experience, and exceptional analytical skills. The position promotes collaboration and process improvement while ensuring compliance with financial policies.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of relevant finance experience, including financial statement analysis.
• Exceptional attention to detail with a commitment to quality and timely execution.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial leadership and stewardship to the Plant Management team.
• Develop accurate financial forecasts and enable data-driven decision-making.
• Partner with Business Unit leadership to manage key volume drivers and variances.

Skills

Financial analysis

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting

MBA with a concentration in Finance

Tools

Financial tools and systems

Job description

Job Title and Location

Job Title: Plant Controller

Location: Bedford, PA

Job Summary

The Plant Controller provides strategic financial leadership and stewardship to the Plant Management team. This role partners across all areas of the business, serving as a trusted advisor to Business Unit Leaders and supporting the effective delivery of operational and financial objectives.

Working closely with cross-functional teams, the Plant Controller is responsible for developing accurate financial forecasts, enabling data-driven decision-making, and collaborating on business proposals and special projects. The role plays a critical part in aligning financial insights with operational strategies.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Business Partnering & Leadership Support: Serves as a visible leader supporting business-critical functions across the organization; effectively communicates financial results and insights to both financial and non-financial stakeholders; acts as a facilitator on strategic and tactical initiatives; provides support and constructive challenge to align decisions with strategy; drives improvements in operational performance and efficiency; delivers meaningful insights and recommendations; builds and maintains strong business partner relationships; responds to stakeholder and customer needs; shares expertise to enhance financial management processes; supports the delivery of financial, operational, and strategic insights; promotes collaboration and continuous process improvement; acts as a catalyst in advancing key initiatives.

• Operating Budget, Performance Management & Variance Reporting: Provide analytical support for developing base budget assumptions; partner with Business Unit leadership to identify and manage key volume drivers, risks, and variances; participate in month-end close; support accrual estimates; prepare detailed analysis of operational and financial performance; clearly communicate findings to Business Leaders; develop and monitor corrective action plans; support benchmarking to drive efficiency; partner on cost management and performance initiatives; participate in cross-functional meetings to strengthen alignment.

• Compliance, Performance Improvement & Learning: Guide Business Leaders in understanding financial policies and controls to ensure GAAP/compliance; contribute to performance improvement initiatives; provide financial education and training to stakeholders across the organization.

Education, Work Experience, Skills, Certificates

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; Finance or Accounting strongly preferred
• MBA with a concentration in Finance preferred
• 5–8 years of relevant finance experience, including financial statement analysis and corporate finance principles
• Exceptional attention to detail with a strong commitment to quality, customer service, and timely execution
• Proven ability to collaborate with and influence business leaders outside of Finance/Accounting, including presenting to senior leadership
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues and implement effective solutions
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, leadership, and influencing capabilities
• High-energy, self-motivated individual with a proactive mindset
• Ability to build and maintain strong business partner relationships and communicate effectively across teams
• Skilled in leading and facilitating cross-functional meetings
• Self-starter with the ability to perform in a fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous environment
• Strong proficiency in computer systems and financial tools

Kennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.