Plant Controller: Drive Profitability & Operational Excellence

Talent Solutions Partners; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Talent Solutions Partners is seeking a Plant Controller to join the plant leadership team in Illinois. You will oversee all plant financial operations, including reporting, budgeting, forecasting, costing, capital planning, and inventory controls, while guiding the accounting team and partnering with operations to drive profitability.

This role requires 7–10 years of controller experience in manufacturing, strong Excel and ERP skills, deep GAAP knowledge, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field is required.
• 7-10 years of Controller or Plant Controller experience within a manufacturing environment is required.
• Financial leadership experience in a complex manufacturing operation is required.
• Strong background in manufacturing accounting, standard costing, budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Experience partnering with manufacturing operations to improve financial and operational performance.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with ERP/accounting systems.
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting, capital expenditures, cost accounting, and internal controls.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing accounting or finance teams.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial operations for the manufacturing facility, ensuring accurate, timely, and reliable financial reporting.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, performance reports, and management analysis.
• Develop the annual operating budget, business plan, and financial forecasts while monitoring performance against established goals.
• Partner with Plant Leadership to provide financial guidance that supports strategic and operational decision-making.
• Analyze plant performance, manufacturing costs, and operating results to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Manage standard costing, product costing, inventory valuation, and cost control processes.
• Monitor operating expenses and recommend initiatives that improve profitability, reduce costs, and strengthen financial performance.
• Lead month-end and year-end close activities while ensuring accounting accuracy and compliance with corporate policies.
• Oversee physical inventory processes and maintain accurate inventory accounting and controls.
• Prepare financial analyses and business cases supporting capital investment requests and major operational initiatives.
• Optimize plant cash flow through effective financial planning and working capital management.
• Conduct internal audits and ensure compliance with corporate financial controls, accounting policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure accounting transactions are recorded accurately and in accordance with GAAP and company standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support Quality, Environmental, and Material Management Systems by ensuring financial compliance with applicable company standards.

Skills

Leadership

Analytics

Cross-functional

Cost accounting

Strategic planning

GAAP knowledge

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

7-10 years plant controller experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Talent Solutions Partners is seeking a Plant Controller to join the plant leadership team in Illinois. You will oversee all plant financial operations, including reporting, budgeting, forecasting, costing, capital planning, and inventory controls, while guiding the accounting team and partnering with operations to drive profitability.

This role requires 7–10 years of controller experience in manufacturing, strong Excel and ERP skills, deep GAAP knowledge, and proven leadership.