Plant Controller - Ice Cream

Dairy Farmers of America; Wilbraham (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) is seeking a seasoned finance professional to oversee all financial activities for the Wilbraham location. You will lead budgeting, forecasting, reporting, variance analysis and cash management while ensuring compliance with DFA policies.

role requires 8+ years in finance, CPA/CMA preferred, and strong leadership to drive cost-saving initiatives and improve controls across departments.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in business, accounting, finance or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, or related discipline.
• Certification and/or License - CPA or CMA preferred; other professional credentials may be required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all financial aspects for the assigned location including analysis, forecasts, budgeting and reporting.
• Prepare annual budgets, financial reports, forecasts and regulatory reports; analyze variances and explain results.
• Direct monthly close, prepare journal entries and manage variance analyses and reconciliations.
• Produce periodic financial analyses and business summaries with insightful commentary.
• Provide routine or ad hoc financial analysis to leadership on variances and opportunities.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify opportunities and implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Maintain positive cash position, protect assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of inventory, A/R, A/P and fixed assets records.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial analysis

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Multi-tasking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or finance

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office Suite

ERP systems

Job description

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• Maintain adequate accounting system records, ensure timely completion of standard procedures (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 - CPA or 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