Plant Controller

Gates Corporation; Red Bay (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-Time

Bonus Eligible

Relocation Provided

Benefits start day 1

Paid vacation & holidays

401(k) with company match

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Gates Corporation in Red Bay, AL seeks a Plant Controller to lead all financial operations for the facility. You will own the P&L, oversee monthly closes, budgeting, forecasting and cost control, and partner with Operations to drive profitability and efficiency.

The role requires extensive manufacturing finance experience, strong accounting acumen, and the ability to drive cross-functional initiatives while maintaining SOX compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience in manufacturing/plant finance (cost accounting required).
• Experience driving change in a dynamic environment.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, internal controls, and SOX compliance.
• Proven experience with standard cost accounting and financial analysis in manufacturing.
• Experience with ERP systems (Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) preferred.
• Effective communication skills for presenting to senior leadership.
• Experience supporting global initiatives and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience with acquisitions or integration activities is a plus.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Own plant P&L and Balance Sheet with accurate reporting.
• Lead month-end close activities and financial statement prep.
• Drive annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting (labor, overhead, standard cost).
• Provide data-driven insights to support leadership and corporate Finance.
• Collaborate with Operations and Engineering on capital projects and ROI.
• Analyze performance to improve cost control and plant efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and SOX.
• Oversee plant-level financial operations: payroll, AP, fixed assets.
• Support continuous improvement by tracking financial impact.
• Lead and develop a high-performing finance team.

Skills

Finance leadership

Manufacturing accounting

Cost accounting

SOX compliance

ERP systems

Communication to leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting

Tools

Oracle

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

What to Expect

As an innovation leader, we look for ambitious, forward thinking, open-minded and well-rounded individuals to join our global team. Located in our Red Bay, AL plant, you will be a Controller

The Plant Controller is responsible for leading all financial operations within the facility, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control. This role ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting while maintaining compliance with corporate policies, regulatory requirements, and internal controls.

As a key member of the plant leadership team, the Controller partners closely with Operations and senior leadership to drive financial performance, support strategic decision-making, and enhance profitability through insightful analysis and disciplined financial management. This individual plays a critical role in optimizing cost structure, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening overall financial performance within the site.

Key Responsibilities (to name a few)

• Own full responsibility for the plant's Profit & Loss (P&L) and Balance Sheet, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting
• Lead month-end close activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation
• Drive annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting processes, including labor, overhead, and standard cost modeling
• Provide clear, data-driven financial insights and performance metrics to support plant leadership and Corporate Finance
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations and Engineering to support capital project evaluation, investment decisions, and ROI analysis
• Analyze performance to plan, identifying opportunities to improve cost control, efficiency, and overall plant performance
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and SOX requirements
• Oversee plant-level financial operations, including cost accounting, payroll, accounts payable, and fixed asset management
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by tracking financial impact and driving accountability across the site
• Lead and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering strong engagement, capability building, and succession planning

About You

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field required
• 8+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including manufacturing or plant finance (cost accounting required)
• Experience driving change and adapting to a dynamic, fast-paced business environment
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, internal controls, and SOX compliance processes
• Proven experience with standard cost accounting and financial analysis in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with ERP systems (Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar) strongly preferred
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to present financial data to senior leadership
• Experience supporting global initiatives and cross-functional collaboration preferred
• Experience with acquisitions or integration activities is a plus
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship

Pay & Benefits

• Full-Time
• Bonus Eligible
• Relocation is provided
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
• Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued
• 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
• Tuition Reimbursement

Why Gates?

Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

Work Environment

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.