Plant Controller - Startup Manufacturing Finance Lead

Graham Packaging; Lee's Summit (MO); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Graham Packaging Company in Lee’s Summit, MO seeks a Plant Controller to partner with operations, drive profitability, and lead financial controls for a startup-style facility. The role focuses on cost accounting, inventory control, budgeting, forecasting, and performance improvement, reporting to the Regional Controller.

The ideal candidate will bring 5+ years in manufacturing finance, strong analytical skills, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams while ensuring SOX and internal

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting, inventory management, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to work independently while partnering effectively with both finance and operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly financial close and ensure timely, accurate reporting of plant financial results.
• Analyze monthly operating results and communicate key drivers, risks, opportunities, and performance trends to plant and executive leadership.
• Develop and maintain annual operating budgets, monthly forecasts, and long-range financial projections.
• Identify and execute actions with plant leadership to achieve financial commitments.
• Perform detailed manufacturing variance analysis (labor, material, overhead, conversion costs).
• Develop and improve standard costing methodologies and processes.
• Oversee product standard costs to align with operations and cost expectations.
• Serve as financial scorekeeper for labor, spend, and plant productivity metrics.
• Ensure reporting tools and performance measures support daily operations.
• Support special projects, operational analyses, and strategic initiatives.

Skills

Cost accounting

Inventory management

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial analysis

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Tools

SAP

BW (Business Warehouse)

HFM

Power BI

Job description

Graham Packaging Company in Lee’s Summit, MO seeks a Plant Controller to partner with operations, drive profitability, and lead financial controls for a startup-style facility. The role focuses on cost accounting, inventory control, budgeting, forecasting, and performance improvement, reporting to the Regional Controller.

The ideal candidate will bring 5+ years in manufacturing finance, strong analytical skills, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams while ensuring SOX and internal