Plant Controller

Software Placement Group; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Software Placement Group is seeking an experienced Plant Controller to lead the financial operations of a manufacturing facility in Lake Forest, IL. The role partners with operations to improve profitability, oversees budgeting, forecasting, standard costing, and inventory controls, and guides the accounting team to ensure GAAP-compliant reporting.

You will drive cost reduction initiatives, maintain strong internal controls, and provide strategic financial support for capital investments and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 7-10 years of Controller/Plant Controller experience in manufacturing
• Experience leading accounting teams and partnering with operations
• Strong knowledge of costing, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Proven ability to influence senior leadership

Responsibilities

• Lead financial operations for the plant and ensure accurate reporting
• Prepare monthly/quarterly/annual financial statements and management analyses
• Develop annual operating budget, business plan, and forecasts
• Partner with plant leadership to provide financial guidance for decisions
• Analyze costs, performance, and opportunities for profitability
• Manage standard/product costing, inventory valuation, and cost controls
• Oversee month-end/year-end close and regulatory compliance
• Lead and develop the Accounting team
• Ensure financial controls and GAAP compliance across plant operations
• Support capital investment analyses and working capital optimization
• Drive cash flow through planning and working capital management
• Conduct internal audits and maintain inventory accuracy

Skills

Financial leadership

Manufacturing accounting

Cost accounting

Forecasting and budgeting

GAAP knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication with senior leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Location: Lake Forest, IL | Schedule: Full-time, on-site

Overview

An established manufacturing company is seeking an experienced Plant Controller to join its plant leadership team. This is an opportunity for a strategic finance professional who enjoys partnering with operations, improving business performance, and leading the financial direction of a complex manufacturing facility. The Plant Controller will oversee all plant financial operations, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, standard costing, capital planning, and inventory controls, while leading and developing the Accounting team and partnering with plant leadership to drive profitability and sound financial decision-making.

What you'll do

• 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

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 7-10 years of Controller or Plant Controller experience within a manufacturing environment
• Financial leadership experience in a complex manufacturing operation
• 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 this role

This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic finance professional to serve as a key member of the plant leadership team, partnering with operations to drive profitability, operational excellence, and sound financial decision-making.