Plant Controller

Philips Recruiting Services / Philips Automotive Recruiting; Forest Park (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Philips Recruiting Services is seeking a Plant Controller to join a major manufacturing facility in Illinois. This role partners with operations leadership to drive profitability, manage a comprehensive financial program, and steer budgeting, forecasting, costing, inventory controls, and capital planning.

You will lead the accounting team, ensure GAAP-compliant financial reporting, and deliver actionable analyses that influence strategic decisions across the plant, while upholding strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Accounting/Finance or related field.
• 7–10 years of Controller/Plant Controller experience in manufacturing setting.
• Strong financial leadership experience in complex manufacturing operations.
• Proficiency with Excel and ERP/accounting systems.
• Knowledge of GAAP and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant financial operations including reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and costing.
• Manage standard costing, inventory valuation, and cost control processes.
• Partner with Plant Leadership to provide financial guidance for strategic decisions.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close and ensure accuracy/compliance.
• Develop the Accounting team and foster continuous improvement.
• Analyze plant performance, costs, and profitability to identify opportunities.
• Drive working capital optimization and cash flow management.
• Conduct internal audits and maintain strong financial controls.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Cost accounting

ERP proficiency

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Financial Leadership Experience in Complex Manufacturing Operations Required

Drive Financial Performance. Influence Operations. Lead with Impact.

We're seeking an experienced Plant Controller to serve as a key member of the plant leadership team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic finance professional who enjoys partnering with operations, improving business performance, and leading the financial direction of a complex manufacturing facility.

As Plant Controller, you'll oversee all plant financial operations, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, standard costing, capital planning, and inventory controls. You'll also lead and develop the Accounting team while partnering with plant leadership to drive profitability, operational excellence, and sound financial decision‑making.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all financial operations for the manufacturing facility, ensuring accurate, timely, and reliable financial reporting.


• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, performance reports, and management analysis.


• Develop the annual operating budget, business plan, and financial forecasts while monitoring performance against established goals.


• Partner with Plant Leadership to provide financial guidance that supports strategic and operational decision‑making.


• Analyze plant performance, manufacturing costs, and operating results to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.


• Manage standard costing, product costing, inventory valuation, and cost control processes.


• Monitor operating expenses and recommend initiatives that improve profitability, reduce costs, and strengthen financial performance.


• Lead month‑end and year‑end close activities while ensuring accounting accuracy and compliance with corporate policies.


• Oversee physical inventory processes and maintain accurate inventory accounting and controls.


• Prepare financial analyses and business cases supporting capital investment requests and major operational initiatives.


• Optimize plant cash flow through effective financial planning and working capital management.


• Conduct internal audits and ensure compliance with corporate financial controls, accounting policies, and regulatory requirements.


• Ensure accounting transactions are recorded accurately and in accordance with GAAP and company standards.


• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.


• Support Quality, Environmental, and Material Management Systems by ensuring financial compliance with applicable company standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.


• 7-10 years of Controller or Plant Controller experience within a manufacturing environment is required.


• Financial leadership experience in a complex manufacturing operation is required.


• Strong background in manufacturing accounting, standard costing, budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.


• Experience partnering with manufacturing operations to improve financial and operational performance.


• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with ERP/accounting systems.


• Strong understanding of inventory accounting, capital expenditures, cost accounting, and internal controls.


• Proven leadership experience managing and developing accounting or finance teams.


• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities.


• Outstanding communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence senior leadership and cross‑functional teams.


• High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a traditional Controller role—it's an opportunity to be a key business partner and strategic leader within a high‑performing manufacturing organization. You'll work closely with plant leadership to influence business decisions, improve operational performance, and help shape the financial future of the facility. If you enjoy working where finance and operations intersect and want to make a visible impact, we'd love to hear from you.