Plant Controller

CAROLINA PRG; Burlington (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Plant Controller for a manufacturing plant in North Carolina. The successful candidate will monitor and enhance financial performance by partnering with the Plant Manager, conducting variance analysis, and leading standard costing processes. Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting, with a minimum of 5 years in a similar role. Strong Excel skills and the ability to communicate financial concepts clearly are essential. This position focuses on financial planning and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in cost accounting, plant accounting, or financial analysis in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with operations and senior leadership to drive performance.
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Plant Manager to monitor and improve financial performance.
• Lead monthly financial close activities, including accruals and variance analysis.
• Conduct in-depth analysis and provide insights to improve performance.

Skills

Cost accounting

Financial analysis

Excel proficiency

Analytical skills

Detail-oriented

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field

Tools

MS Office

ERP system

Job description

Carolina PRG has partnered with a $2B world leader in the design, engineering, manufacturing, and delivery of industrial applications to help them identify a plant controller for their NC plant.

Position Responsibilities

• Partner directly with the Plant Manager to monitor and improve plant financial performance; act as a P&L steward with a deep understanding of operational drivers.
• Own monthly financial close activities, including accruals, variance analysis, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Conduct in-depth manufacturing variance analysis and provide actionable insights to improve performance.
• Lead and maintain standard costing processes in the ERP system; support cost analysis for current and new products.
• Perform product line margin analysis across the North America region, providing insight to support pricing, product strategy, and profitability initiatives.
• Support financial planning processes including budgeting, forecasting, and business case development.
• Provide ad hoc financial modeling and reporting to drive decision-making.
• Monitor and reconcile inventory valuation; lead and coordinate physical inventory counts.
• Identify and recommend cost-saving initiatives and margin improvement opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and corporate financial policies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve processes and enhance cost efficiency.
• Travel periodically to engage with the broader finance team and participate in team-wide initiatives.

Required Experience/Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related technical/business field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in cost accounting, plant accounting, and/or financial analysis in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with operations and senior leadership to drive business performance.
• Strong Excel skills and proficiency in financial modeling.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Self-starter with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset with ability to work cross-functionally across departments and locations.
• Working knowledge of MS Office with strength in MS Excel.
• Detail oriented and organized with strong analytical ability.
• Ability to hit deadlines and work under time constraints.
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement background.
• Strong communication skills with ability to explain financial concepts to non-finance stakeholders.