Plant Controller

Accelerate Talent Group; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelerate Talent Group is seeking a Plant Controller for a Madison, WI manufacturing site. The role focuses on cost accounting, standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory integrity, partnering with plant leadership to drive profitability.

This is a full-time, on-site opportunity with a competitive compensation package and benefits. Candidates should have 3–5 years of cost accounting experience in perishables or related manufacturing environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Accounting/Finance or related field.
• 3–5 years cost accounting experience in food/perishables manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of standard costing and variance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs for materials, labor, packaging, and overhead.
• Monitor costs, analyze variances, and recommend profitability improvements.
• Prepare monthly cost reports, margin analyses, and product/customer/product-line reporting.
• Maintain inventory valuation and reconcile accounts; ensure accurate counts.

Skills

Cost accounting

Variance analysis

Analytical skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Inventory management software

Excel

Job description

Position Title: Plant Controller Wage: Based on Experience

Are you a detail-oriented accounting professional with experience in perishable goods or food manufacturing? Our client, a growing and innovative manufacturing company in Madison, WI, is seeking a Plant Controller to play a key role in driving operational efficiency, analyzing production costs, and supporting strategic business decisions. This highly visible position works closely with plant leadership, operations teams, and finance to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve profitability. If you thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoy turning data into actionable insights, we'd love to hear from you. This is a full-time, on-site, direct hire position that offers a very competitive compensation and benefits package.

Plant Controller Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs for materials, labor, packaging, and manufacturing overhead
• Monitor production costs, investigate variances, and provide actionable recommendations to improve profitability
• Prepare monthly cost reports, margin analyses, and management reporting by product, customer, and production line
• Maintain accurate inventory valuation, reconcile inventory accounts, and investigate discrepancies
• Coordinate physical inventory counts and cycle counts while ensuring accurate tracking of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods
• Partner with plant leadership and operations teams to evaluate labor, material, overhead costs, and production efficiency
• Support new product costing, pricing decisions, and analysis of process, recipe, and packaging changes
• Prepare inventory and manufacturing-related journal entries and support month-end and year-end close activities
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, company accounting policies, and audit requirements
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, cost modeling, and variance analysis to support strategic planning

Requirements for Plant Controller:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 3-5 years of cost accounting experience within a food or perishable goods manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, and variance analysis
• Experience working with ERP systems and inventory management software
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail