Plant Controller

KKS Search & Consulting LLC; Franklin (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

KKS Search & Consulting LLC is conducting a confidential search for an experienced Plant Controller to oversee the financial operations of a manufacturing facility. The role provides financial leadership, operational insights, and strategic support to plant management.

The candidate should have a strong background in manufacturing finance, cost accounting, financial reporting, and operational analysis, and be a hands-on leader partnering with operations to drive performance and continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum five years of accounting or finance experience in manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls.
• Experience with a large ERP system.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with plant leadership.

Responsibilities

• Oversee plant-level accounting and financial activities, including general and cost accounting, inventory, financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Partner with plant leadership to improve profitability, operational efficiency, and cost management.
• Lead preparation and analysis of monthly financial results, operational reports, budgets, and forecasts.
• Develop and maintain internal controls, policies, and procedures in line with SOX.
• Manage capital planning, budgeting, and expenditure tracking.
• Analyze manufacturing costs, performance, and key financial metrics for improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with operations to develop and monitor KPIs and support lean initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop plant accounting and finance personnel.
• Coordinate with corporate finance to ensure accurate reporting and alignment with objectives.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across finance and manufacturing.

Skills

Manufacturing finance

Cost accounting

Financial reporting

Operational analysis

ERP system experience

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration

Tools

SAP

Job description

We are conducting a confidential search for an experienced Plant Controller to join a well-established manufacturing organization. This individual will oversee the financial operations of a manufacturing facility, providing financial leadership, operational insights, and strategic support to plant management.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in manufacturing finance, cost accounting, financial reporting, and operational analysis. This position requires a hands‑on leader who can effectively partner with operations, drive financial performance, strengthen internal controls, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Position Overview

We are conducting a confidential search for an experienced Plant Controller to join a well-established manufacturing organization. This individual will oversee the financial operations of a manufacturing facility, providing financial leadership, operational insights, and strategic support to plant management.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in manufacturing finance, cost accounting, financial reporting, and operational analysis. This position requires a hands‑on leader who can effectively partner with operations, drive financial performance, strengthen internal controls, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

• Oversee all plant-level accounting and financial activities, including general accounting, cost accounting, inventory, financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Serve as a strategic business partner to plant leadership, providing financial analysis and recommendations to improve profitability, operational efficiency, and cost management.
• Lead the preparation and analysis of monthly financial results, operational reports, budgets, and forecasts.
• Develop, implement, and maintain effective internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures, ensuring compliance with applicable financial reporting standards and SOX requirements.
• Manage capital planning, budgeting, and expenditure tracking.
• Analyze manufacturing costs, operational performance, and key financial metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with operations to develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and support lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop plant accounting and finance personnel.
• Collaborate with corporate finance and cross-functional teams to ensure accurate reporting and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across finance and manufacturing operations.
  

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of accounting or finance experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls.
• Experience working with a large ERP system.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and collaborate effectively with plant leadership.
• Demonstrated commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and professional integrity.

Preferred

• CPA or MBA.
• Experience with SAP.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, value stream accounting, and lean financial metrics.
• Experience with project-based accounting and capital expenditure management.
• Familiarity with SOX and COSO internal control frameworks.
• Six Sigma or Green Belt certification.
• Previous experience leading or supervising accounting and finance teams.
  

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a proactive, analytical, and collaborative finance professional who enjoys being closely connected to manufacturing operations. The successful candidate will be comfortable working both strategically and hands‑on, translating complex financial information into actionable business recommendations.

This is an opportunity for an individual who values accountability, continuous improvement, and the ability to make a meaningful impact on plant performance.

Additional Information

• Travel is expected to be approximately 10-15%.
• This position may require occasional access to manufacturing areas and adherence to applicable safety and personal protective equipment requirements.
• This position involves potential access to export‑controlled technical data. Candidates must qualify as a U.S. Person under applicable ITAR/EAR regulations, including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

Confidential Search: Additional information about the organization and opportunity will be shared with qualified candidates during the recruitment process.