Plant Controller

SIMPLY STAFFED; Marshalltown (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SIMPLY STAFFED seeks a Plant Controller to manage day-to-day financial operations, support core accounting functions, and deliver in-depth analysis across departments. The role works with Leadership and operations to drive transparency and efficiency, enforce internal controls, and ensure GAAP compliance.

Responsibilities include supervising accounting staff, leading monthly closings, maintaining the general ledger, and providing financial modeling for capacity planning and capital projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, cost accounting, and internal controls.
• Experience with ERP systems and audits.
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.
• Leadership or supervisory experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage direct reports (LMA) and oversee month-end close processes.
• Maintain general ledger and ensure GAAP/IFRS compliance.
• Collaborate with operations to develop budgets and analyze cost drivers.
• Provide financial analysis on production costs, CAPEX, and ROI analyses.
• Serve as a business partner to operations for cost-saving opportunities.
• Coordinate external audits and tax documentation as needed.
• Support continuous improvement in finance and manufacturing processes.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Cost accounting

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Financial modeling

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA/CMA/MBA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Job Summary of the Plant Controller:

The Plant Controller is responsible for managing the day-to-day financial operations of the organization, supporting core accounting functions (GL, close, audits), and providing in-depth financial analysis, projections and business insights across departments. This role will work closely with both Leadership and the operations team to drive financial transparency and operational efficiency across production and organizational functions. The Plant Controller will also ensure accuracy of financial records, enforce strong internal controls, and maintain compliance with GAAP and industry regulations. This position reports directly to the CFO and oversees all accounting positions.

Job Duties & Responsibilities of the Plant Controller:

• Leadership, Management and Accountability (LMA) for all direct reports.
• Assist with and oversee month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries, accruals and reconciliations.
• Maintain the general ledger, ensuring proper recording of all financial transactions in compliance with GAAP/IFRS and corporate policies.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies in cost and inventory accounting processes.
• Develop, implement, and monitor robust internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the integrity of financial reporting and processes.
• Act as a key contact for external auditors, preparing necessary documentation and ensuring a smooth audit process.
• Collaborate with operations and production leaders to develop detailed annual budgets.
• Conduct in-depth financial analysis on operational performance metrics, including production costs, scrap rates, labor efficiency, and capital projects (CAPEX), and provide recommendations to the leadership team for operational improvements.
• Provide financial modeling to support strategic decisions, including capacity planning and capital investments.
• Lead all cost accounting initiatives, including standard cost development, variance analysis (material, labor, overhead), and inventory valuation.
• Partner with operations management to identify and implement cost-saving opportunities and track their financial impact.
• Participate in capital budgeting and ROI analysis for equipment and facility investments.
• Evaluate financial impact of new product lines, process changes, and automation initiatives.
• Serve as a key financial business partner to the operations department managers, providing financial guidance to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the finance function and across manufacturing operations to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Serve as a key resource in coordinating information and documentation requests during external tax audits.
• Oversee the proper and timely preparation of financial data required for corporate income tax, property tax, and sales/use tax filings, ensuring all required information is accurately submitted by the accounting team.
• Be adaptable and willing to take on additional responsibilities and tasks to support team and organizational goals.

Education & Experience Requirements of Plant Controller:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• 3+ years of progressive Accounting, Finance, or related experience
• 2+ years of work experience in (or at least exposure to) a manufacturing environment, utilizing cost accounting principles
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, cost accounting, and internal controls.
• Experience with ERP systems and supporting audits.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams.
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.
• Professional certification (CPA, CMA, or MBA) preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in a leadership or supervisory role a plus.