Plant Controller

CFS; Maple Grove (MN); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Manufacturing Organization in Maple Grove, MN, is seeking a Plant Controller to lead the facility's financial performance. The role partners with plant operations, supply chain, and executives to oversee reporting, budgeting, cost accounting, inventory controls, and operational analysis to drive profitability.

The ideal candidate has manufacturing accounting experience, strong GAAP knowledge, and the ability to translate data into actionable business insights.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting, inventory management, and manufacturing operations.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and variance analysis.
• Knowledge of ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and internal control principles.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and performance reports.
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and GAAP compliance.
• Provide financial analysis to support decisions and operational improvements.
• Monitor KPIs and report results to plant and corporate leadership.
• Maintain and enhance cost accounting systems and analyze variances with plant leadership.
• Support inventory valuation, cycle counts, and audits.
• Lead annual budgeting and forecasting activities with department managers.
• Develop scenarios and financial models for strategic initiatives.
• Maintain strong internal controls and coordinate audits.
• Guide capital investment analyses and ROI evaluations.

Skills

Manufacturing accounting

Cost accounting

Inventory management

Budgeting

Forecasting

Variance analysis

GAAP

Internal controls

Data-driven decision making

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA or CMA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Company: Manufacturing Organization

Address: Maple Grove, MN

Position: Plant Controller

Work Model: Hybrid, 3 days in office required

Hours: Full-Time, flexible hours around the 9a-5p core business hours

Compensation: $155,000 - $180,000/year

About The Company

Our client is a growing manufacturing organization committed to operational excellence, product quality, and continuous improvement. The company values collaboration, accountability, and innovation while providing employees with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on business performance.

Position Summary

The Plant Controller serves as the financial leader for the manufacturing facility, partnering closely with plant operations, supply chain, and executive leadership. This role is responsible for overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting, inventory controls, and operational analysis to drive profitability and support strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate will possess strong manufacturing accounting experience and the ability to translate financial data into actionable business insights.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and operational performance reports.
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support business decisions and operational improvements.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and communicate financial results to plant and corporate leadership.

Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Finance

• Maintain and enhance cost accounting systems to ensure accurate product costing.
• Analyze material, labor, and overhead variances and work with plant leadership to identify corrective actions.
• Support inventory valuation processes, cycle counts, and physical inventory audits.
• Evaluate manufacturing costs and drive initiatives to improve efficiency and profitability.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process and periodic financial forecasting activities.
• Partner with department managers to develop realistic budgets and operating plans.
• Monitor spending trends and identify opportunities for cost control and resource optimization.
• Provide scenario analysis and financial modeling to support strategic initiatives.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain strong internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure financial integrity.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and support audit requests.
• Develop and implement process improvements to strengthen financial controls and reporting accuracy.

Business Partnership & Leadership

• Collaborate with plant management to drive operational and financial performance.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to accounting and finance staff as applicable.
• Support capital investment analyses, ROI evaluations, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Act as a trusted financial advisor to operational leaders across the facility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting, inventory management, and manufacturing operations.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and variance analysis.
• Knowledge of ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and internal control principles.

Desired Skills & Competencies

• CPA, CMA, or advanced finance/accounting certification preferred.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence decision-making through data-driven insights.
• Proven leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset with experience driving process efficiencies.

Why This Opportunity?

• Play a key leadership role in driving financial and operational performance.
• Work closely with plant and executive leadership on strategic initiatives.
• Opportunity to influence business decisions and operational improvements.
• Join a collaborative manufacturing environment focused on growth and innovation.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package with long-term career advancement potential.

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