Plant Controller III

Hitchiner; Milford (NH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitchiner in Milford, NH seeks a Plant Financial Leader to oversee GAAP reporting, internal controls, and performance insights at our manufacturing facility. You will partner with operations to interpret results, develop forecasts, cost plans, and drive improvements across cost and financial processes.

The role emphasizes cost accounting, standard costing, work center rates, inventory valuation, and variance analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience in manufacturing.
• Experience with cost accounting, reporting, forecasting and analysis; ERP proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Oversees GAAP-based plant financial reporting, close, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Develops standard costing, work center rates, inventory valuation, and product costing; analyzes variances.
• Leads quarterly forecasts and annual cost planning to support plant objectives.
• Partners with plant leadership to interpret results and support decisions; manage inventories and cycle counts.

Skills

Forecasting & budgeting

Manufacturing cost accounting

Financial analysis

GAAP & internal controls

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

MBA or related advanced degree preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Provides financial leadership and analysis for assigned plant operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective internal controls, and meaningful financial insight to support business performance. Partners with operations leadership to interpret financial results, evaluate business performance, develop forecasts and cost plans, and identify opportunities to improve financial and operational outcomes.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Plant Financial Reporting & Controls (30%)

• Oversees the accuracy and integrity of plant financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Company requirements, including period-end close activities, balance sheet reconciliations, audit support, and maintenance of effective internal controls.

Cost Accounting & Performance Analysis (25%)

• Develops and maintains plant standard costing and related financial models, including work center rates, inventory valuation, and product costing. Analyzes actual performance against standards and plans, identifies significant variances and underlying drivers, and provides recommendations to improve financial and operational performance.
• Leads plant financial planning activities, including quarterly forecasts and annual cost planning. Evaluates operating assumptions, trends, risks, and business requirements to develop accurate financial projections that support plant and organizational objectives.

Business Partnership & Decision Support (15%)

• Partners with plant leadership and operational stakeholders to interpret financial statements, operating results, and other financial information. Provides analysis, perspective, and recommendations that support business decisions, resource allocation, performance management, and achievement of plant objectives.
• Coordinates and supports financial controls related to work-in-process, shop, maintenance, and other applicable inventories, including physical inventory activities, reconciliation of results, and resolution of significant discrepancies.

Who You Are

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent combinations of relevant education and progressively responsible experience may be considered. MBA or other relevant advanced degree preferred.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible accounting or financial experience, including experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with manufacturing cost accounting, financial reporting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Experience working with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and Microsoft Office applications, including advanced use of Excel.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, internal controls, and manufacturing cost accounting.
• Strong financial analysis and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify trends, evaluate business drivers, and develop sound recommendations.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in evaluating complex financial and operational matters.
• Ability to translate financial information into clear business insights for operational and functional leaders.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence decisions and effectively partner across functions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver accurate work within established deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to financial accuracy and integrity.
• Ability to identify and lead improvements to financial processes, controls, and business practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with periodic exposure to manufacturing areas. Manufacturing environments may include noise, temperature variations, moving equipment, and other conditions typical of an industrial facility. Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn when required.