Plant Controller

6 Degrees Search; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

6 Degrees Search seeks a Plant Controller to partner with operations and drive profitability at a manufacturing facility. You will lead financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control while guiding the accounting team and ensuring GAAP compliance.

In this role you will influence strategic decisions, optimize working capital, and deliver robust financial analyses to support major operational initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• 7–10 years of Controller or Plant Controller experience in manufacturing.
• Strong financial leadership in complex manufacturing environments.
• Advanced Excel skills and ERP system experience are essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all plant financial operations, including reporting and controls.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual statements and analyses.
• Develop annual budgets, forecasts, and business plans with plant leadership.
• Partner with operations to improve financial and operational performance.
• Manage standard costing, inventory valuation, and cost control processes.
• Lead month-end and year-end close with accurate accounting.
• Direct capital planning and cost accounting for investments.
• Monitor expenses and drive profitability and working capital optimization.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and corporate policies.
• Develop and mentor the accounting team for continuous improvement.
• Support environmental, quality, and materials management systems financially.

Skills

Manufacturing accounting

GAAP

Forecasting

Cost accounting

Excel proficiency

ERP systems

Leadership

Interdepartmental collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Dynamics

Job description

Plant Controller

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.