Plant Controller (Rhinelander or Kaukauna, WI)

Ahlstrom; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ahlstrom is seeking a Plant Controller to partner with the Plant Manager and lead financial management for the site. You will oversee general and cost accounting, budgeting, and financial analysis to support operations at the Rhinelander, WI or Kaukauna, WI locations.

The role requires strong cost accounting experience in manufacturing, ERP proficiency (JD Edwards), and the ability to communicate financial concepts across teams. Onsite employment with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business/Economics, Accounting or equivalent is required.
• Minimum of five years of relevant work experience in cost accounting and standard costing in manufacturing.
• Prior audit experience is preferred.
• Proficient with ERP systems (JD Edwards preferred) and IT tools (Excel, HFM, Order Plan, etc.).
• Experience working in a team-based environment with initiative and independence.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, forecasting, budgeting, and month-end close reporting for the plant.
• Calculate profitability analysis and standard product costs.
• Ensure inventory accuracy and manage regular audits.
• Provide analytical business support to operations.
• Ensure plant scorecard and KPI accuracy.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Cost accounting

Forecasting

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Auditing

ERP knowledge

Excel

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Economics, Accounting or equivalent

Tools

JD Edwards

Excel

HFM

Job description

You have a choice of where you want to work! We invite you along on our journey to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to attract, retain, and energize passionate people, like you, by investing in your professional development and providing opportunities for personal growth.

Do your values align with ours? Accountability, Growth mindset, One team, Care and a fair and inclusive work environment for everyone, everywhere!

We strive to meet the highest standards of corporate citizenship by protecting the health and safety of our team, safeguarding the environment, and creating a long-lasting, positive impact on the communities where we do business. Are you with us?

About the Opportunity

As the Plant Controller, you will partner closely with the Plant Manager and lead team to effectively manage and control the finances for the plant. These responsibilities will include, general accounting, cost accounting, business analysis, financial reporting, and budget process support. This position is located at our Rhinelander, WI or Kaukauna, WI location and is required to be onsite.

As a Plant Controller, you will:

• Lead planning, forecasting, budgeting, and month end close reporting for the plant
• Calculate profitability analysis and standard product costs
• Ensure accuracy of inventory, manage regular audits
• Provide analytical and strong business support to operations team
• Ensure accuracy of plant scorecard and other relevant KPI’s
• Identify cost saving opportunities and work with operations on implantation of continuous improvement initiatives
• Support the team with financial data as needed, be able to explain financial concepts and information to team members outside of finance
• Provide investment analysis, including actual pay-back of closed projects
• Coordinate with global Business Unit team on key objectives
• Support working capital management

Minimum Occupational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business/Economics, Accounting or equivalent
• Minimum of five years of relevant work experience in cost accounting and standard costing in manufacturing company
• Prior audit experience preferred
• Proficient with ERP System (JD Edwards preferred), Excel and IT tools in general (HFM, Order Plan, Microsoft office, etc.)
• Experience in a team-based environment
• High-level of initiative and independence in managing responsibilities
• Able to manage the details while being able to discuss business issues

Ahlstrom is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Ahlstrom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal opportunity is a sound and just concept to which we are firmly bound. Ahlstrom will not engage in discrimination against, or harassment of, any person employed or seeking employment with our company based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, non-disqualifying disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

About Us

Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials segments, along with the Performance Materials Cluster, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2025 amounted to EUR 2.9 billion and we employ some 7,000 people.