Plant Controller - Ice Cream

Dairy Farmers of America; Belvidere (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America is seeking a senior financial leader to oversee all financial aspects for the Belvidere location, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and internal controls.

The role partners with leadership to drive cost savings, maintain cash position, ensure regulatory compliance, and mentor accounting staff while delivering timely, high‑quality analysis for executive decision making.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in business, accounting, finance, or related curriculum.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, or related discipline.
• CPA or CMA preferred; other certifications may be required during course of employment.
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Ability to communicate clearly, analyze data, and present to executives.
• Leadership experience or potential for supervisory responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all financial aspects for assigned location including analysis, forecasts, budgeting, and reporting.
• Coordinate local compliance with DFA policies and procedures.
• Direct monthly general ledger closing, journal entries, and variance analyses.
• Prepare and distribute periodic financial analyses and management commentary.
• Provide routine or ad hoc analysis and communicate variances to leadership.
• Identify cost savings opportunities and drive process improvements.
• Maintain positive cash position and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Ensure accuracy of inventory, accounts receivable/payable, fixed assets, and internal controls.
• Lead KPI monitoring and participate in cost savings initiatives.
• Manage staff including recruitment, supervision, scheduling, development, evaluation, and performance management if applicable.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Excel proficiency

Financial analysis

Forecasting

Budgeting

Communication

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Education

Undergraduate degree in business, accounting, or finance

8+ years experience in finance/accounting

CPA or CMA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

General Purpose

Oversee all financial aspects for assigned location, including analysis, forecasts, budgeting, and reporting. Coordinate local compliance with DFA policies and procedures and ensure cooperation with enterprise-wide functional departments.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain adequate accounting system records, ensure timely completion of standard procedures (i.e., period end closing, financial statement analysis, and daily accounting transactions), and consistently enhance controls and business solutions designed to mitigate financial risk
• Prepare annual budget, financial reports, cost reports, financial forecasts, regulatory reports, and monthly milk reporting. Analyze variances and determine reasons and explanations. Interface with leadership, regulators, and government agencies as necessary
• Direct monthly general ledger closing process, ensure completion of journal entries, and manage report completion, including purchase price variance analysis, production variance analysis, cost savings, balance sheet reconciliations, and spending analysis
• Prepare and distribute periodic plant/area/group financial analysis or business summaries, including insightful commentaries detailing issues, opportunities, and action plans
• Provide routine or ad hoc analysis and communicate with leadership regarding significant financial performance variances
• Work closely with leadership to identify opportunities and develop strategies, understand internal business operations, and make decisions on process development and implementation to increase efficiencies and create cost savings
• Ensure positive cash position, protect assets, identify profit improvement opportunities, and comply with all regulatory requirements
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of inventory transactions, accounts receivable, accounts payable, fixed assets, and internal controls
• Lead personnel in monitoring and maintaining Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and serve as member of process improvement team and assist in cost savings initiatives
• Manage employees, including recruitment, supervision, scheduling, development, evaluation, and performance management if have direct reports. Maintain and promote positive employee relations in work environment
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in business, accounting, finance, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 8+ years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, or related discipline
• Leadership attributes, team leadership, or supervisory experience preferred
• Certification and/or License - Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) preferred; other certifications or licenses may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) related to accounting and financial reporting
• Solid knowledge of company computer systems and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel
• Able to take ownership of financial and accounting functions
• Able to provide timely, high quality and comprehensive information
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, and present large amounts of data in an executive-level format
• Able to analyze and make recommendations from large amounts of data
• Able to think strategically and creatively
• Able to interpret and apply company policies
• Able to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines
• Able to work collaboratively with employees in a variety of departments and build consensus around key initiatives
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Able to adapt to changing operational needs
• Able to supervise staff efficiently and effectively (if have direct reports)
• Able to maintain confidentiality of information
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans