Plant Controller

Confidential; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A global manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Plant Controller to manage finance activities for a $30M facility. This role encompasses overseeing financial reporting, ensuring accuracy in month-end close, and partnering with plant management for budgeting and forecasting. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of finance experience in manufacturing, with strong leadership and communication skills. This position offers opportunities for professional growth and direct exposure to plant leadership.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience with a focus on operational reporting in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Own finance activities for month-end close and analysis.
• Ensure strong financial controls and accurate reporting.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and business planning processes.
• Develop the on-site finance team, providing coaching and training.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

A global manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Plant Controller to own finance (month-end close & analysis/strategic planning) for a $30M facility (part of a multi-billion dollar parent company).

You will serve as the senior financial leader on-site, ensuring strong financial controls, accurate reporting, and actionable analysis to support plant and corporate performance objectives. This role partners closely with plant leadership and corporate finance to drive operational performance, cost discipline, and strategic decision-making.

This is a highly visible position within the organization, offering direct exposure to plant leadership and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Oversees and directs all financial reporting activities for the manufacturing site, including monthly close, AR, AP, and general ledger management.

Leads and executes the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process, ensuring timely reconciliations, journal entries, and accurate reporting.

Ensures accuracy, integrity, and transparency of the P&L and Balance Sheet to support operational and strategic decision-making.

Leads budgeting, forecasting, and business planning processes, partnering with plant management to drive performance against financial targets.

Provides detailed operational reporting focused on manufacturing costs, cost variances, and performance metrics.

Oversees annual standard cost updates and ensures costing accuracy in collaboration with operations leadership.

Serves as key financial advisor to plant leadership on operations, accounting practices, and internal controls.

Ensures compliance with company policies, internal controls, and SOX requirements; oversees internal and external audit activities.

Leads and develops the on-site finance team, providing coaching, training, and career development.

Drives continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, process efficiency, and financial transparency.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience with a strong background in operational reporting within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.