Plant Controller (Contract)

Chase Corporation; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Chase Corporation is seeking a hands-on Plant Controller to lead all financial activities for a manufacturing site in Pittsburgh, PA. This role partners with plant leadership to drive cost control, budgeting, and performance improvements.

Responsibilities include inventory costing, standard costing, monthly closes, and KPI reporting. Requires 7+ years in manufacturing finance and ERP experience (Oracle/JD Edwards). CPA/CMA preferred.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in manufacturing finance with plant-level experience.
• Strong standard costing, inventory accounting, and core manufacturing process knowledge.
• Advanced Excel; experience with ERP systems such as Oracle or JD Edwards.
• Ability to partner with plant leadership and translate results into actions.
• Hands-on, detail-oriented with strategic and tactical capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant finance as the primary partner to Operations leadership.
• Provide guidance on cost control, productivity, and capital investments.
• Own inventory valuation and COGS accuracy, including standard costing.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, year-end close and audit support.
• Lead annual budget and monthly forecast processes; monitor KPIs.
• Support ERP upgrades and data integrity (Oracle/JD Edwards).

Skills

Manufacturing finance

Excel expertise

Plant leadership partnering

Cost accounting

Continuous improvement

Financial data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA or CMA preferred

Tools

Oracle/JD Edwards

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Accounting/Finance Contract Pittsburgh, PA, US

Salary Range: $40.00 To $55.00 Hourly

Role Overview

Chase Corporation is seeking a hands-on Plant Controller to lead all financial activities for a manufacturing site. This role serves as the primary finance partner to plant leadership, responsible for cost accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and driving operational performance.

The Plant Controller plays a critical role in ensuring financial accuracy, strengthening controls, and providing insights that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and expand margins. This position requires a strong understanding of manufacturing operations and the ability to translate financial data into actionable business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Financial Leadership

• Serve as the finance lead for the plant, partnering with Operations leadership to drive performance and accountability
• Provide financial guidance on cost control, productivity, and capital investments
• Support decision-making through clear analysis of operational and financial data

Cost Accounting & Inventory Management

• Own inventory valuation and cost of goods sold (COGS) accuracy, including standard costing and variance analysis
• Maintain BOMs, routings, and standard costs to ensure accurate product costing
• Partner with Supply Chain and Operations on inventory controls, cycle counts, and obsolescence management

Close, Reporting & Controls

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes for the plant
• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and audit support
• Ensure strong internal controls and compliance with corporate policies and accounting standards

Planning, Forecasting & Performance Management

• Lead the plant's annual budget and monthly forecast processes
• Analyze results versus budget, forecast, and prior periods; identify key drivers and recommend actions
• Monitor and report on KPIs, including cost, productivity, and working capital metrics
• Support ERP systems (Oracle/JD Edwards), including upgrades, data integrity, and process improvements
• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes, reporting, and operational efficiency
• Leverage data and systems (e.g., Global Insight or similar tools) to enhance visibility and decision-making

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing finance, including cost accounting and plant-level support; prior experience as a Plant Controller or similar role preferred
• Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, and core manufacturing processes
• Advanced proficiency in Excel; experience with ERP systems such as Oracle or JD Edwards required
• Demonstrated ability to partner with plant leadership, influence decisions, and translate financial results into operational actions
• Strong business acumen with a hands-on, detail-oriented approach and the ability to operate both strategically and tactically
• High level of ownership, accountability, and adaptability, with a continuous improvement mindset in a fast-paced environment

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or CMA preferred