Plant Controller

Selby Jennings; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Benefits package

Direct impact on operational performance

Job summary

A fast-growing food and beverage manufacturer is seeking a Plant Controller to lead operations finance at their flagship production facility in Madison Heights, MI. Ideal candidates have 7-10+ years in manufacturing finance, must be currently in a plant role, and possess strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills. This position offers competitive compensation and opportunities for direct impact on operational performance.

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years of experience in manufacturing finance, cost accounting, and FP&A.
• Current experience in a plant-based role is required.
• CPA or CMA preferred.
• Experience in the food manufacturing or CPG industry is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations finance at the plant level, partnering with Engineering, Quality, Safety, and Logistics teams.
• Oversee cost accounting, inventory controls, and standard cost development.
• Analyze production variances, inventory discrepancies, and cost drivers.
• Drive budgeting, forecasting, and month-end close activities including variance analysis.
• Track and report plant KPIs such as yield, scrap, labor efficiency, and schedule attainment.
• Present monthly operations reviews to leadership.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Advanced Excel proficiency

ERP systems proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field

Tools

SAP

SAGE X3

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Plant Controller • Location: Madison Heights, MI • Industry: Food & Beverage Manufacturing • Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site

About the Company: A fast-growing food and beverage manufacturer is on a mission to scale from $500MM to over $1B in the next four years through a mix of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. They are seeking a Plant Controller to join the team at our flagship production facility.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Director of Manufacturing Finance, the Plant Controller will serve as a key business partner to the Plant Director and cross-functional manufacturing leadership. This is a 100% on-site role, and candidates must currently be working in a plant environment to be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead operations finance at the plant level, partnering with Engineering, Quality, Safety, and Logistics teams.
• Oversee cost accounting, inventory controls, and standard cost development.
• Analyze production variances, inventory discrepancies, and cost drivers to support strategic decision-making.
• Support S&OP processes with financial insights on throughput, profitability, and business impacts.
• Drive budgeting, forecasting, and month-end close activities including variance analysis and accruals.
• Track and report plant KPIs such as yield, scrap, labor efficiency, and schedule attainment.
• Develop cost models for capital investments, new product development, and growth initiatives.
• Present monthly operations reviews to leadership and contribute to long-term strategic planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• 7-10+ years of experience in manufacturing finance, cost accounting, and FP&A.
• Current experience in a plant-based role is required.
• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level.
• Strong analytical, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Advanced Excel and ERP system proficiency; SAP or SAGE X3 experience is a plus.
• CPA or CMA preferred.
• Experience in the food manufacturing or CPG industry is highly desirable.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a high-growth organization with a clear strategic vision.
• Work closely with senior leadership and directly impact operational performance.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.