Plant Controller- Manufacturing

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

Job summary

Clear Concepts, Inc. is seeking an experienced financial leader for our manufacturing plant to manage cost accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. The role partners with Plant Manager and operations leadership to drive profitability and operational performance.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in standard costing, inventory controls, and variance analysis within a manufacturing environment, supported by strong Excel modeling and ERP systems proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 5–10+ years in accounting or finance.
• Manufacturing or plant finance experience required.
• Experience in standard cost accounting and variance analysis.
• Strong U.S. GAAP knowledge and inventory controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close for the plant with accurate results.
• Prepare journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and company policies.
• Maintain integrity of the plant's balance sheet and income statement.
• Own the cost accounting structure: standard costing, inventory, variances.
• Analyze production costs, labor efficiency, and overhead absorption.
• Monitor and report key manufacturing metrics such as cost per unit and scrap.
• Develop the plant's annual operating budget and forecasts.
• Provide variance analysis and insights to improve profitability.

Skills

Plant cost accounting

Variance analysis

U.S. GAAP

Advanced Excel

Financial modeling

Budgeting

Forecasting

Management reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

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