Plant Controller

Jobster LLC; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing firm in Cleveland, Ohio, seeks a Plant Controller to drive operational financial performance. The ideal candidate will have strong dairy manufacturing experience and a CPA, overseeing budgeting, reporting, and inventory accounting. This full-time role involves collaboration with plant management to enhance productivity and ensure accurate financial outcomes. A hands-on approach and leadership experience in finance are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive finance/accounting experience.
• Experience partnering with plant operations to drive financial outcomes.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, expanding manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial reporting and analysis for plant operations.
• Collaborate closely with operations on KPI performance.
• Manage month-end close including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Maintain strong inventory accounting practices.
• Oversee preparation and presentation of plant financial results.
• Support annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting activities.
• Ensure strong internal controls and timely issue resolution.
• Supervise and develop a team of accounting professionals.
• Perform ERP transactions and reporting.

Skills

Dairy manufacturing experience

ERP experience (SAP preferred)

Leadership experience

Strong analytical skills

Strong communication skills

Strong organizational skills

Education

CPA

Tools

SAP

Job description

The Plant Controller plays a key role in driving operational performance through accurate financial reporting, cost analysis, and proactive partnership with plant management. This position leads daily plant finance activities including budgeting, forecasting, inventory accounting, and month‑end close while providing insights that support data‑driven decisions. The ideal candidate has proven experience in dairy manufacturing, brings an active CPA, and thrives in a hands‑on production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead financial reporting and analysis for plant operations, ensuring accuracy and alignment with accounting standards.
• Collaborate closely with operations on KPI performance, productivity, cost/variance analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage month‑end close including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial package review.
• Maintain strong inventory accounting practices including standard costing, yield/loss tracking, and inventory valuation for perishables.
• Oversee preparation and presentation of plant financial results in business review meetings.
• Support annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting activities.
• Ensure strong internal controls and timely issue resolution.
• Supervise and develop a team of accounting professionals.
• Perform ERP transactions and reporting (SAP preferred).
• Participate in special projects related to growth, expansion, and process improvement.

Qualifications

• CPA required.
• 5+ years of progressive finance/accounting experience.
• Dairy manufacturing experience required.
• ERP experience required (SAP strongly preferred).
• Experience partnering with plant operations to drive financial outcomes.
• Leadership experience supporting small finance teams.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, expanding manufacturing environment.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Accounting/Auditing
• Industries: Manufacturing and Accounting

Plant Controller - Dairy (or) Food & Beverage Experience Required