Plant Controller: Strategic Finance Leader in Manufacturing

Top Echelon Software, LLC.; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Echelon Software, LLC. is seeking an experienced Plant Controller to join the plant leadership team in Lake Forest, IL.

This role partners with operations to drive profitability and financial discipline across budgeting, forecasting, costing, and reporting. Responsibilities include leading the accounting team, standard costing, inventory controls, and capital planning, while ensuring GAAP compliance and strong internal controls.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of Controller or Plant Controller experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven financial leadership in a complex manufacturing operation.
• Strong background in manufacturing accounting, standard costing, budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Experience partnering with manufacturing operations to improve financial and operational performance.
• Advanced proficiency inMicrosoft Excel and experience with ERP/accounting systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial operations for the manufacturing facility, ensuring accurate, timely, and reliable financial reporting.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, performance reports, and management analysis.
• Develop the annual operating budget, business plan, and financial forecasts while monitoring performance against goals.
• Partner with Plant Leadership to provide financial guidance that supports strategic decisions.
• Analyze plant performance, costs, and results to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Manage standard costing, product costing, inventory valuation, and cost control processes.
• Monitor operating expenses and implement initiatives to improve profitability and control costs.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close activities with compliance to GAAP and policies.
• Oversee inventory controls and physical inventory processes.
• Prepare analyses and business cases for capital investments and operational initiatives.
• Optimize plant cash flow through working capital management.
• Conduct internal audits and ensure compliance with financial controls and regulatory requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting team and foster accountability and continuous improvement.

Skills

Financial leadership

Manufacturing accounting

Budgeting & forecasting

Cost accounting

GAAP knowledge

Excel proficiency

ERP accounting systems

Leadership & mentoring

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Top Echelon Software, LLC. is seeking an experienced Plant Controller to join the plant leadership team in Lake Forest, IL.

This role partners with operations to drive profitability and financial discipline across budgeting, forecasting, costing, and reporting. Responsibilities include leading the accounting team, standard costing, inventory controls, and capital planning, while ensuring GAAP compliance and strong internal controls.