Plant Controller

The Bolton Group; Lincolnshire (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bolton Group, in the Chicago area, seeks a Plant Controller to lead financial management for two manufacturing sites. You will serve as a trusted finance business partner to site and corporate leadership, driving cost efficiency, margin expansion, revenue growth, and working capital optimization.

Reporting to the Finance Director with a dotted-line to operations, this role blends accounting, analytics, and operational partnership to elevate reporting, streamline processes, and influence

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing finance.
• Strong background in cost accounting and manufacturing variance analysis.
• 5+ years of ERP experience (e.g., JD Edwards, Oracle, SAP; IQMS preferred).
• MBA, CPA, CMA, or CFA strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting SOX compliance and audit engagements.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Proactive problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Collaborative leader with the ability to influence across functions.

Responsibilities

• Deliver insightful financial analysis with clear context around results, trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Analyze manufacturing performance including productivity, scrap, PPV, spending trends, and capital investments.
• Monitor and optimize net working capital (inventory, A/R, A/P).
• Partner closely with operations, sales, and leadership on tactical and strategic initiatives.
• Support customer and product profitability analysis, sales mix analytics, and new business quoting.
• Provide financial support for growth initiatives, including integration activities as needed.
• Maintain a strong control environment and proactively identify and resolve risks or gaps.
• Ensure compliance with accounting policies and procedures, including revenue cut-off, reserves, and asset safeguarding.
• Support audits and internal control initiatives.
• Lead accurate and timely forecasting for the P&L and Balance Sheet.
• Identify risks and opportunities and support standard cost processes.
• Act as a key liaison to internal teams and external partners.
• Drive ERP enhancements, automation, and reporting improvements.
• Develop dashboards and tools to improve visibility, efficiency, and decision-making.

Skills

Cost accounting

Manufacturing variance analysis

Forecasting & budgeting

ERP systems knowledge

Analytical mindset

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

MBA or CPA / CMA / CFA preferred

Tools

JD Edwards

Oracle

SAP

IQMS

Job description

Location: Lincolnshire, IL or Chicago, IL (Hybrid – Onsite 3+ days/week)

Overview

We are seeking a Plant Controller to provide financial leadership across two manufacturing sites in the Chicago area. This role will serve as a trusted finance business partner to site and corporate leadership, driving manufacturing cost efficiency, margin expansion, revenue growth, and working capital optimization.

Reporting to the Finance Director with a dotted-line relationship to operations leadership, this is a high-impact, hands-on role for a finance leader who brings a strong blend of accounting, analytics, and operational partnership. The ideal candidate is comfortable rolling up their sleeves while also thinking strategically to elevate reporting, streamline processes, and influence decision-making at the plant and enterprise level.

This position offers exposure and impact beyond a traditional plant controller role and is well-suited for someone who thrives in a dynamic manufacturing environment and enjoys solving complex, cross-functional challenges.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Financial Reporting

• Deliver insightful financial analysis with clear context around results, trends, risks, and opportunities
• Analyze manufacturing performance including productivity, scrap, purchase price variance (PPV), spending trends, and capital investments
• Monitor and optimize net working capital (inventory, A/R, A/P)

Business Partnership

• Partner closely with operations, sales, and leadership on tactical and strategic initiatives
• Support customer and product profitability analysis, sales mix analytics, and new business quoting
• Provide financial support for growth initiatives, including integration activities as needed

Controls & Compliance

• Maintain a strong control environment and proactively identify and resolve risks or gaps
• Ensure compliance with accounting policies and procedures, including revenue cut-off, reserves, and asset safeguarding
• Support audits and internal control initiatives

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead accurate and timely forecasting for the P&L and Balance Sheet
• Identify risks and opportunities and support standard cost processes

Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key liaison to internal teams (FP&A, Corporate Accounting, AP, AR) and external partners (vendors, customers)

Systems & Process Improvement

• Drive ERP enhancements, automation, and reporting improvements
• Develop dashboards and tools to improve visibility, efficiency, and decision-making

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related business field
• 7+ years of progressive experience, ideally in a manufacturing environment
• Strong background in cost accounting and manufacturing variance analysis
• 5+ years of experience with ERP financial modules (e.g., JD Edwards, Oracle, SAP; IQMS preferred)
• MBA, CPA, CMA, or CFA strongly preferred
• Experience supporting SOX compliance and audit engagements
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights
• Proactive problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset
• Collaborative leader with the ability to influence across functions
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with HFM, data warehouses (e.g., Qlik), and reporting tools a plus

Work Arrangement & Travel

• Onsite presence required 3+ days per week
• Less than 10% travel

This organization offers a competitive compensation package along with comprehensive benefits designed to support employee well-being and long-term growth. Benefits include health and wellness programs, retirement savings with employer contributions, paid time off, and additional incentives aligned with company performance and ownership mindset.