Plant Controller- Manufacturing

ExcelliSearch, Inc.; Backus (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

ExcelliSearch, Inc. is seeking a Plant Controller to lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for the manufacturing plant in Minnesota.

You will own the cost accounting structure, standard costing, and inventory controls while partnering with plant leadership to drive profitability. The role requires 5–10+ years in manufacturing finance, strong GAAP knowledge, and advanced Excel/financial modeling skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5–10+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience.
• Prior experience in manufacturing or plant-level finance strongly required.
• Experience in standard cost accounting.
• 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.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Cost accounting

Variance analysis

Financial analysis

Budgeting & forecasting

Leadership collaboration

Manufacturing accounting knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Excel

Financial modeling

ERP systems

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