Plant Controller

Smith Arnold Partners; Warwick (RI); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Collaborative leadership team

Job summary

Smith Arnold Partners seeks a hands-on Controller in Warwick, RI, hybrid. You will lead all accounting and financial reporting for a manufacturing-focused organization and mentor a small team, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of month-end close. The ideal candidate has 8–12 years of manufacturing accounting experience, SAP proficiency, and strong GAAP knowledge.

CPA preferred. You will partner with plant leadership to strengthen cost accounting, inventory control, and financial processes while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 8–12 years of progressive accounting experience,; manufacturing environment preferred.
• Strong background in inventory accounting and cost accounting.
• Experience leading and developing accounting staff.
• SAP experience is required.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting and financial reporting activities for the organization.
• Manage and mentor a small accounting team, fostering accountability, development, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee inventory accounting, physical inventory processes, cycle counts, and inventory reconciliations.
• Maintain and improve cost accounting systems, including standard costing, variance analysis, BOMs, labor, and overhead allocations.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Analyze manufacturing costs and provide actionable insights to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Partner with plant leadership and operations teams to support decision-making and performance initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and company policies.
• Manage audits, tax support, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Drive process improvements and enhance utilization of SAP across accounting and operations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

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

CPA preferred

Tools

SAP

Job description

A global leader in the CPG Manufacturing industry, a sector that is steady, resilient, and continuously growing. The business is built on innovation and sustainability, and as technology and AI transform the future, they remain at the forefront of progress. This is an opportunity to join a company that will never go out of business and offers long-term stability and growth.

What people like about this company:

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• A stable, future-proof industry with continuous innovation.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Title: Controller

Potential Compensation: $160,000 to $175,000

Location: Warwick, RI - Hybrid

The ideal individual is a hands-on accounting leader with deep manufacturing accounting expertise, strong knowledge of major erp systems, and a proven track record managing inventory, standard costing, and month-end close activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting and financial reporting activities for the organization.
• Manage and mentor a small accounting team, fostering accountability, development, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee inventory accounting, physical inventory processes, cycle counts, and inventory reconciliations.
• Maintain and improve cost accounting systems, including standard costing, variance analysis, BOMs, labor, and overhead allocations.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Analyze manufacturing costs and provide actionable insights to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Partner with plant leadership and operations teams to support decision-making and performance initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and company policies.
• Manage audits, tax support, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Drive process improvements and enhance utilization of SAP across accounting and operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA preferred.
• 8–12 years of progressive accounting experience, including significant experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in inventory accounting and cost accounting.
• Experience leading and developing accounting staff.
• SAP experience is required.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What They Offer

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Collaborative and supportive leadership team
• Stable, successful company with an excellent culture