Plant Controller Arkansas - Relocation offered!

Richard, Wayne and Roberts; Arkansas; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

RWR Enterprises Inc. in Arkansas is seeking a Plant Controller to oversee plant-level financial management, cost accounting, budgeting, and analysis, reporting to the Plant Manager with a dotted line to the Corporate CFO.

You will supervise two staff handling AP and AR, drive monthly closes, standard costing, inventory valuation, and variance analysis, and partner with operations and corporate finance to improve profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance or related field required
• 10–15+ years of progressive accounting experience; 7–10+ years as Plant Controller preferred
• CPA, CMA, MBA or master’s degree in Accounting preferred

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly financial close and plant financial reporting.
• Manage standard costing, product costing, inventory valuation, and variance analysis.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning at the plant level.
• Develop analyses to evaluate business performance and support operational improvements.
• Supervise two accounting staff (AP/AR) and ensure strong internal controls.

Skills

Manufacturing accounting experience

Financial analysis

Cost accounting

Budgeting & forecasting

Communication & collaboration

AP/AR oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA / CMA / MBA or master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

SAP

Job description

Plant Controller-Ready to hire ASAP

Location: Arkansas | On-Site Compensation: Competitive Base Salary + Bonus Relocation Assistance Available Target Start Date: November 2026

About the Company

Our client is an established North American industrial manufacturing group with a significant U.S. manufacturing presence. The organization specializes in custom metal manufacturing and precision-engineered, heavy-duty components used by leading companies across the automotive, commercial heavy vehicles, military, and agricultural sectors. This is an opportunity to join a substantial industrial manufacturing operation where finance plays a critical role in cost management, operational performance, and strategic decision-making.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Plant Manager, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Corporate CFO, the Plant Controller will oversee plant-level financial management, reporting, cost accounting, budgeting, and financial analysis. The role will supervise two accounting staff members responsible for accounts payable and accounts receivable. The successful candidate will combine strong manufacturing finance expertise with SAP proficiency and the ability to translate financial information into actionable business insights.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

Oversee monthly financial close, plant financial reporting, account reconciliations, and analysis of operating results. Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial statements and compliance with corporate accounting policies. Analyze financial performance against budgets, forecasts, and prior periods, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions to owners of this private firm. Partner with plant leadership and corporate to support business planning and financial decision-making.

Manufacturing & Cost Accounting

Manage standard costing, product costing, inventory valuation, and manufacturing cost variance analysis. Monitor material, labor, overhead, scrap, and production variances to identify cost-reduction opportunities. Collaborate with operations to improve cost visibility, productivity, and plant profitability. Support inventory controls, physical inventory processes, and reconciliation of inventory records.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis

Lead plant budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities. Monitor financial and operational KPIs, working capital, margins, and manufacturing costs. Develop financial analyses to evaluate business performance and support operational improvements. Support capital expenditure analysis and investment decisions.

Leadership & Business Partnership

Supervise and develop two accounting team members responsible for AP and AR. Establish effective accounting processes, controls, and reporting procedures. Work closely with the Plant Manager and maintain alignment with the CFO and corporate finance team. Collaborate with operations, purchasing, supply chain, and other functions to improve financial performance. Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to a culture of accountability and operational excellence.

Controls & Compliance

Maintain effective internal controls and adherence to corporate financial policies. Support internal and external audits and ensure accurate financial documentation. Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting accuracy, and financial controls.

Qualifications

• SAP proficiency: Experience using SAP in a manufacturing finance or accounting environment.
• Manufacturing analysis and accounting experience: Demonstrated knowledge of plant accounting, cost accounting, inventory, standard costing, and manufacturing financial performance.
• Education and credentials: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Plus, CPA, CMA, MBA, or a master's degree in Accounting is preferred.
• 10–15+ years of total progressive accounting experience and 7–10+ years specifically as a Plant Controller

Additional Qualifications

• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and variance analysis.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to partner effectively with plant operations and corporate finance.
• M&A experience is a plus
• Previous supervisory experience / AP and AR
• Excellent technical accounting, analytical, and reporting skills
• Ability to present financial results and communicate effectively with leadership
• Strong interpersonal and cross-functional partnership skills
• Commercial mindset supporting scaling opportunities in the industry