Plant Controller- Manufacturing

Job Juncture; Backus (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Job Juncture is seeking a Plant Controller to lead financial closes for the Minnesota plant and manage cost accounting, standard costing, and inventory controls. You will analyze production costs, variances, and efficiencies while partnering with plant leadership on budgets and forecasts.

The role requires strong U.S. GAAP knowledge, advanced Excel skills, and 5–10+ years in manufacturing finance. On-site position with close collaboration to operations leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• 5–10+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience.
• Manufacturing or plant-level finance experience required.
• Experience with standard costing and inventory controls.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and cost variance analysis.
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for the plant and ensure timely financial reporting.
• Prepare and review journal entries, reconciliations, and schedules.
• Maintain balance sheet and income statement integrity for the plant.
• Own the plant cost accounting structure including standard costing and variances.
• Analyze production costs, labor efficiency, material usage, and overhead absorption.
• Monitor manufacturing metrics like cost per unit, scrap, and labor utilization.
• Lead annual operating budget development and periodic forecasts.
• Provide variance analyses and insights to improve profitability and operations.

Skills

Manufacturing accounting

U.S. GAAP

Cost variance analysis

Budgeting & forecasting

Financial modeling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Cost accounting software

Job description

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for the plant, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and company accounting policies.
• Maintain the integrity of the plant’s balance sheet and income statement.
• Own the plant cost accounting structure, including standard costing, inventory valuation, and cost variance analysis.
• Analyze production costs, labor efficiency, material usage, and overhead absorption.
• Monitor and report on key manufacturing metrics such as: cost per unit, scrap and yield, labor utilization, production variances
• Lead the development of the plant’s annual operating budget and periodic forecasts.
• Analyze financial results against budget and forecast, providing detailed variance analysis.
• Provide plant leadership with insights to improve profitability and operational performance.
• Serve as a key business partner to the Plant Manager and operations leadership team.
• Provide financial analysis to support operational initiatives, productivity improvements, and margin expansion.
• Oversee inventory accounting and controls, including cycle counts and annual physical inventories.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls over financial reporting and plant operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred
• 5–10+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience
• Prior experience in manufacturing or plant-level finance strongly required
• Experience in standard cost accounting required
• Exposure to budgeting, forecasting, and operational financial analysis
• Experience supporting plant operations or manufacturing leadership teams
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and manufacturing accounting practices
• Deep understanding of standard costing, inventory controls, and variance analysis
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills