Plant Controller

Confident Search Consultants; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Confident Search Consultants in Illinois seeks an experienced Plant Controller to join the plant leadership team. The role partners with operations to drive profitability, performance metrics, and sound financial decision-making through budgeting, forecasting, standard costing, and robust internal controls.

You will lead the Accounting team, oversee month-end and year-end closes, manage inventory and capital planning, and provide strategic financial analyses to support capital investments and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7–10 years of Controller or Plant Controller experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading finance teams and partnering with operations.
• Proficient in Excel and ERP/accounting systems; GAAP knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial operations for the facility, ensuring accurate reporting.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual statements and analyses.
• Develop annual budgets, forecasts, and financial plans.
• Collaborate with Plant Leadership to drive profitability and operational performance.
• Manage standard costing, inventory valuation, and cost controls.
• Oversee month-end/year-end close and internal controls.
• Develop and mentor Accounting team.
• Support capital investment analyses and working capital optimization.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and corporate policies.
• Coordinate with Quality, Environmental, and Materials management on financial compliance.

Skills

Financial leadership

GAAP knowledge

Excel proficiency

ERP software

Inventory accounting

Cost accounting

Budgeting & forecasting

Team leadership

Operational partnership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

ERP software

Accounting software

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.