Plant Controller

Top Echelon LLC; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Echelon LLC is seeking a Plant Controller to lead the financial direction of a complex manufacturing facility. You will partner with operations to drive profitability, oversee budgeting and forecasting, and manage standard costing, inventory controls, and capital planning.

You will also lead and develop the Accounting team, ensure GAAP-compliant reporting, and provide strategic financial guidance to senior leadership to support operational excellence and sound decision-making.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of Controller or Plant Controller experience in manufacturing.
• Financial leadership in a complex manufacturing operation.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning expertise.
• Experience partnering with manufacturing to improve performance.
• Advanced Excel and ERP/accounting systems proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial operations for the facility with accurate reporting.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual statements and analyses.
• Develop operating budget, business plan, and financial forecasts.
• Partner with Plant Leadership to provide financial guidance for decisions.
• Analyze performance, costs, and opportunities to improve profitability.
• Manage standard costing, product costing, inventory valuation, and cost controls.
• Lead month-end and year-end close and ensure GAAP compliance.
• Oversee physical inventory processes and inventory accounting.
• Coach and develop the Accounting team toward continuous improvement.
• Support capital investment analyses and cash flow optimization.

Skills

Financial leadership

Operations partnership

Excel proficiency

ERP systems

Cost accounting

Internal controls

Leadership

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

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.