PLANT CONTROLLER ARKANSAS RELOCATION OFFERED

Richard, Wayne & Roberts; Arkansas; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Richard, Wayne & Roberts is seeking a hands-on Plant Controller for its Arkansas manufacturing facility. You will lead plant-level financial management, cost accounting, budgeting, and reporting, partnering with operations to drive profitability.

Reporting to the Plant Manager with a dotted line to the CFO, you will supervise two staff in AP/AR, maintain internal controls, and support audits and capital decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA, CMA, MBA or related master’s degree preferred.
• 10-15+ years of progressive accounting experience; 7-10+ years as Plant Controller.
• Experience using SAP in a manufacturing finance or accounting environment.
• Strong cost accounting, inventory, standard costing and manufacturing financial performance knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly close, plant financial reporting, reconciliations, and variances analysis.
• Lead cost accounting, standard costing, inventory valuation, and manufacturing cost variance analysis.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and KPI monitoring for the plant.
• Supervise two accounting staff (AP/AR) and strengthen internal controls.

Skills

Cost accounting expertise

Plant controller experience

Financial analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA/MBA 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.

The organization is seeking a Plant Controller to provide financial leadership for its Arkansas manufacturing facility. This is an opportunity for a hands-on finance professional to partner directly with plant leadership, strengthen financial performance, improve cost visibility, and support operational decision-making in a complex manufacturing environment.

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.

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

Interested in learning more?

We welcome a confidential conversation with qualified manufacturing plant controller professionals who bring SAP expertise, strong cost accounting knowledge, and a hands-on approach to financial leadership.