Plant Controller

Sun Recruiting, Inc.; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sun Recruiting, Inc. is seeking an experienced Plant Controller in Lake Forest, IL to lead the plant's financial operations, including reporting, budgeting, forecasting, costing, and controls.

This role partners with operations to drive profitability and operational excellence. You will lead the accounting team, ensure GAAP compliance, manage inventory valuation, capital planning, and provide strategic finance guidance to senior plant leadership for major initiatives.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of Controller or Plant Controller experience in manufacturing.
• Financial leadership experience in a complex manufacturing operation.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial operations for the plant, ensuring accurate reporting.
• Prepare monthly/quarterly/annual statements and management analysis.
• Develop the annual budget, business plan and forecasts; monitor performance against goals.
• Partner with Plant Leadership to provide financial guidance for strategic decisions.
• Oversee costing, inventory valuation, and cost-control processes.
• Lead month-end and year-end close with GAAP compliance.
• Mentor and develop the Accounting team; foster accountability and improvement.

Skills

Strategic financial leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong analytical skills

Communication to senior leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Excel

ERP systems (SAP/Oracle)

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.