Plant Controller

Cox Consulting Network; Elgin (IL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Cox Consulting Network has been exclusively retained by a fast-growing manufacturer to recruit a detail-oriented Plant Controller near Elgin, Illinois. This hybrid role (4 days/week onsite) reports to the Corporate Controller and oversees full cycle site accounting, month-end close, KPI reporting and budgets.

You will partner with the Plant Manager to improve operations and productivity, driving accuracy across manufacturing cost accounting, inventory, and reporting.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• BA in Accounting or related field.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills.
• Ability to explain numbers to non-financial stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly financial reporting and key templates.
• Conduct weekly sales reporting analyses and cash reconciliations.
• Post and reconcile GL entries for month-end close.
• Manage ICO accruals and account reconciliations.
• Oversee depreciation, construction-in-progress, and fixed assets.
• Support year-end inventory counts and GL adjustments.
• Collaborate with Plant Manager to drive productivity and process improvements.

Skills

Accounting experience

Financial analysis

Stakeholder communication

Detail-oriented

Education

BA in Accounting

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Business Central

Job description

Cox Consulting Network has been exclusively retained by a fast-growing, profitable manufacturer to find a detail-oriented and analytical Plant Controller. This is a hybrid role (4 days/week onsite) near Elgin, Illinois. This position is perfect for a person who thrives in a collaborative, high-energy, fast-growing manufacturing environment.

In this critical role, you will report to the Corporate Controller and be responsible for the full cycle accounting for the site. You’ll be the backbone of the month-end and year-end close processes, drive the KPI reporting and manage all forecasts and budgets. You’ll partner with the Plant Manager to improve operational processes and productivity and will be a key member of the plant management team.

If you have strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of manufacturing accounting principles, reach out.

What You’ll Do

• Preparation of monthly financial reporting, and key financial templates
• Weekly Sales Reporting analysis and email communication to owners including generating and analyzing sales report and performing weekly cash reconciliation
• Posting and reconciling general ledger entries for month-end closing
• ICO accruals
• Prepare the reconciliation for all balance sheet accounts and key income statement accounts timely at month end close
• Ensure fixed assets are appropriately recorded and depreciated as per date of service
• Review entries for depreciation and amortization
• Review and record construction-in-progress
• Assist with yearend inventory count and GL adjustments as required monthly
• Work with operation to clear any inventory issues on-site
• Manage Senior Accounting and AP/AR clerks
• Manage and assist clerks with ACH/wire/check activity and review weekly payables runs
• Manage and assist clerks with collections and reconciliations of AR

What You Bring to the Table

• Experience: 5-7 years of accounting experience (Accounting Manager/Controller or similar role preferred)
• Education: BA in Accounting or a related field
• Business Central experience is strongly preferred
• Tech Savvy: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (specifically pivot tables), accounting software and AI tools
• Manufacturing Experience: cost accounting & understanding of manufacturing accounting & inventory preferred
• Communication: Strong financial acumen with the ability to explain the "why" behind the numbers to various stakeholders
• Mindset: Ability to work independently, high attention to detail, and a collaborative team spirit
• Flexibility – hybrid role with 4 days/week in office
• Bonus opportunity
• Profitable and growing company – potential for IPO in the future